James Smith is a retired chairman of First American Corporation. A 1951 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Business Administration, Smith served in the Air Force prior to launching his career in the banking industry. He has held senior leadership positions with Valley Fidelity Bank, East Tennessee Packing Company, and Park National Bank. At First American, Smith was responsible for managing its trusts and investments, credit policies, business systems, compliance issues, and government and trade association relations. An outstanding community leader in Tennessee, Smith has shared his passion and leadership acumen with numerous civic organizations, fine arts institutions, and educational causes.