A third-generation Tampa native, Rico brings deep community roots and a steadfast commitment to public service. With several years of successful experience in sales and product management, he has effectively advocated on behalf of medical device companies before federal, defense, and state officials on critical healthcare issues. His professional background reflects a strong understanding of policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement—skills that will serve HART and the community well.
Rico also brings valuable board-level leadership experience in both government and healthcare. He currently serves on the Corporate Board for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and previously served as Board Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. During his tenure, he played a key role in overseeing land use at Tampa General Hospital and approving a transformative $550 million capital improvement plan—demonstrating his ability to guide complex initiatives with long-term community impact.
Committed to service beyond the boardroom, Rico enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2016 and was commissioned in 2022 as a Finance Officer. In this role, he assists with formulating program policy, allocating manpower resources, and managing budgeting efforts for Total Force Integration. He earned his associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and his bachelor’s degree from Trident University.
Rico remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with local veterans’ organizations and serving on the Congressional Veterans’ Advisory Committee for Congressman Gus Bilirakis. He also mentors junior investors in real estate and retirement planning. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his family and friends.
HART looks forward to Rico’s leadership and perspective as the agency continues advancing safe, reliable, and innovative public transportation solutions for the residents of Hillsborough County.
Please join us in welcoming Ronrico “Rico” Smith to the HART Board of Directors.
