Bio

Beth Smith retired from IBM after 30+ years leading global teams across software and cloud businesses. She helped usher in new technologies in the industry ranging from SOA, hybrid cloud, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence. As general manager of IBM Watson, Smith was featured in news media and analysts reports discussing the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in today’s business world and the importance of Ethics of AI. Before retiring, she led IBM’s global technical sales team where she defined and scaled a customer success mission.

Smith serves on the board of managers for the RTP Angel Fund, a member-managed investment fund committed to identifying and nurturing early-stage companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and innovation. She also serves on the board of Charity Navigator, where she is chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Charity Navigator is the largest and most-utilized independent nonprofit evaluator. Smith serves on the board of the NC State Engineering Foundation.

Beth is a proud graduate of NC State University (BS CSC ’87). She was inducted in the NC State CSC Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020.