Kirby Smith was born and raised in Lake County. He is a proud graduate of Tavares High School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in business management. A certified building contractor with his own family business, Kirby has also served as the senior engineering manager for CenturyLink.

His legacy of community service is vast: Kirby has been a firefighter/EMT, a youth baseball coach, and an integral part of the Tavares City Council (serving as mayor, vice mayor, and councilmember from 2009 to 2019.) In 2020, he was elected to the Lake County Commission.

He has also been a member of many boards, most notably Career Source Central Florida; Children’s Services Council; Early Learning Coalition; Elder Affairs Coordinating Council; Lake County League of Cities; Lake County MPO; Medical Examiner’s Office Oversight Committee; Parks, Recreation, and Trails Advisory Board; Upper Ocklawaha Basin Working Group; and the Tavares Economic Development team.

Kirby enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Together, they boat in the lakes and explore the county’s many festivals, parks, and trails.