Les Smith is the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), a role he has held since March of 2024. He joined ACHE in December of 2019 as Chief Business Strategy Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience from Arvest Bank, where he advanced from teller to Executive VP and Loan Manager.
Promoted to Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at ACHE in January 2021, Les played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth at ACHE. His leadership and vision led to his advancement to Senior Vice President & Chief of Staff, where he now oversees a broad range of responsibilities, projects and strategic initiatives.
In addition to his role at ACHE, Les is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Mercy Health Fort Smith Communities.
Les holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Arkansas and a Graduate Banking and Finance degree from Louisiana State University.
Outside of his professional achievements, Les is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Monica, have been married for over 20 years and are proud parents to two children, Cameron and Cooper.