About Me

Hi, I'm Garry Smith (Republican Party) and I had the privilege of serving as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 27. I assumed office in 2003 and left office on 2022. It was an honor of a lifetime to serve the wonderful people of South Carolina and especially in District 27 comprising of Mauldin and Simpsonville.

I also had the priviledge of serving as a Affiliate Professor of Political Science at North Greenville University from 2017 until 2023.  It was a very gratifying experience to teach an upper level class in State and Local Gevernment, and to engage with a great group of students.

I earned my B.A. in History from the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 1979. After that I went on to receive my M.P.A. specializing in Governmental Finance and Accounting from the University of South Carolina in 1983. Over the years some of my experiences include the managing partner of Nin Tai Enterprises, Vice President of Burkhold Smith Planning & Management, and as a businessman. 

Before entering the SC House of Representatives I served as Manager of Work Contracts for the Aiken Adult Development Center, Roving City Administrator-Community Development Specialist for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, Aiken County Assistant Administrator, Bamberg County Administrator, and City of Simpsonville Administrator. 

I have been married to my wife Brenda Harman Smith for 44 years. We have been blessed with 2 children and 7 grandchildren. 

HONORS AND RECOGNITIONS

• Awarded South Carolina's highest civilian award, The Order of the Palmetto (November 2022)
• Board of Directors, Palmetto Family Council (2023 to present)
• South Carolina House of Representatives (2003 to 2022) Chairman of House Operations & Management Committee, Member of House Ways & Means Committee Committee & Chairman of it's Property Tax subcommittee
• Member Legislative Audit Council (2015 to 2022)
• Board of Directors, American Legislative Exchange Council (2019 to 2023)
• State Chairman, South Carolina General Assembly, American Legislative Exchange Council (2017 to 2022)
• Public Sector Chairman, Communications & Technology Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council (2015 to 2017)
• President, Simpsonville Rotary Club (1997)
• Paul Harris Fellow
• Chairman Greenville County Chief Administrative Officers Group (1995)
• President, South Carolina County Managers, Administrators, and Supervisors, (1991 - 1992)
• President, American Society of Public Administrators - South Carolina Chapter (1988 - 1990)
• Chairman, South Carolina City and County Management Association’s Committee on Manager Certification and Training (1991 - 1993)
• Chairman, South Carolina City and County Management Associations Committee on City Legislative Issues (1993 - 1994)
• Member, Simpsonville United Methodist Church, member of Staff Parish Relations Committee (2000-2002) Chairman SPRC (2020 to 2022) Vice President of United Methodist Men (2002-2003), President of the United Methodist Men (2004 – 2006), Member of Nominations Committee 2010 – 2013, Vice Chairman of Church Council (2012) Chairman Church Council (2013 to 2016)
• Instructor and 6th degree (Ryokodan) Black Belt, Oyata Shin Shu Ho Ryu Karate and Kobudo
• Bronze certified Coach, USA Wrestling