Name: Troy K. Smith
Age: 39
Family: Wife Jenni, daughter Hayes and son Troy Kelley Jr.
Pets: Kolby, chocolate lab
Education: University of Florida, B.A. 1993, Stetson University School of Law J.D. 1996
Admitted to the Bar: 1997
Employed by: Rogers Towers
Field of practice: Construction Law
Professional organizations: Jacksonville Bar Association (Board of Governors member), ABA Construction Industry Forum, ABC Associated Builders and Contractors, Leadership Jacksonville Class 2008
Community Involvement:
Learn to Read Jacksonville (A nonprofit organization dedicated to improving adult literacy in Duval County.), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.
How did you get involved?
My niece and nephew have Type I diabetes, so that’s how I got involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. With Learn to Read, as a community trustee, I have a strong interest in the adult literacy rate in North Florida. It has a direct impact on the crime rate and other socioeconomic issues.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Through JDRF, I’ve learned a lot about diabetes. It’s treatments, its causes and how it can be prevented. Through the Learn to Read program, I’ve learned how important one person’s philanthropies and volunteerism can impact anthers life. The program gives adults a lot of confidence going forward.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
“The Davinci Code” was the last book I read cover to cover, reread “To Kill a Mocking Bird” — didn’t remember it as well from high school, so I picked it up again.