Bill Smith
First Principles Strategies operates in partnership with Sextons Creek Consulting founder Bill Smith, who served as chief political and policy advisor for Vice President Mike Pence for 20 years. Smith served as chief-of-staff to Governor Mike Pence in the Governor's Office. In that capacity, he oversaw the Governor's policy and political operations. Prior to his service in the Governor's office, Bill served as chief-of-staff for Congressman Mike Pence.
Before his service with Pence, he was the founding director of the Indiana Family Institute, a public policy organization dedicated to the strengthening of family life in the Hoosier State. He lead the non-profit organization as its executive director for more than a decade. He hosted a daily radio talk show called “Indiana Family Forum” and edited a monthly newsletter with a readership of more than 20,000 households.
Smith is the recipient of several commendations and awards, including the Indiana National Guard's Distinguished Service Medal and Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash.
From 1983 until 1989, Smith worked as the legislative director and chief-of-staff for Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana.
Smith has managed and served with several political campaigns during his 30 years of involvement in the public square.
He has also advised not-for-profit organizations on how to improve their management structure, communications strategies and board development. He also serves as president and chairman of the board for The Attic Theatre, Inc, a local non-profit theatre guild.
Bill was born and raised in Madison County, Indiana. He and his wife, Karen, have five children and nine grandchildren.