Dennis Smith, Ed.D., Executive Leadership Team – Lead Search Partner

Dennis served as Superintendent of Schools for the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District (27,000 ADA) in Orange County until June of 2012.

Dennis also served as superintendent of the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida, the 16th largest school district in the United States.   Prior to that, he served as superintendent of the Irvine Unified School District, Cajon Valley Union School District and the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Dennis served a total of 26 years as a Superintendent of Schools.

Dennis has experience conducting executive searches since 2005 and has facilitated or assisted in the facilitation of more than 70 executive searches since that time.

Dennis was recognized as one of the top 100 Executive Educators in North America by the National School Boards Association, one of the 89 Rising Stars to Watch by the Los Angeles Times, one of the 100 Most Influential Business Leaders in Central Florida by the Orlando Business Journal, and the ACSA Region XVII Superintendent of the Year. He also served as President of the Southern California Superintendents’ Association.

Dennis received his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree from Arizona State University and his Doctorate from the University of Arizona. In addition, he has been an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, and held positions as assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher.

Dennis has spoken at the local, state and national level on Board- Superintendent relations, Strategic Planning and Goal Setting and Organizational Management. He has consulted with school districts across the United States assisting school boards with superintendent searches and conducting workshops, trainings and organizational efficiency audits.

Dennis is married and has two children.