Jim Smith is the Policy Advisor to the Center for Infrastructure and Economic Development in the state of Nebraska. Smith offers strong state and local insights based on former experience as a Senator in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature, where he chaired the Transportation & Telecommunications and Revenue Committees. 

Smith has more than 25 years of experience in nearly all aspects of electric and gas utilities operations and management, working in both the investor-owned and public sectors of the energy industry. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur and small business owner and has served on local planning and zoning commissions. 

Smith holds a BS in Accounting from the University of West Florida and an MBA from Creighton University. He resides in Papillion Nebraska with his wife Ruth.