Oran Smith

Dr. Oran Smith is the President and CEO of Palmetto Family Council.  Dr. Smith is a graduate of Clemson University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and the University of South Carolina, where he received a Masters and Doctorate. His doctoral dissertation, later published by New York University (NYU) Press, was entitled The Rise of Baptist Republicanism. He has written numerous journal articles and book chapters on politics, government, and the role of Christians in politics. His areas of expertise are research, communications, politics and public affairs. He is a former member of Gov. Carroll Campbell's economic development staff and the staff of the Business & Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC). A native of Greer, Dr. Smith lives in Leesville with his wife Kristin and their three children Stephen (14), Elizabeth (11) and Margaret (8). He is a member of First Presbyterian Church (ARP), Columbia where he has served as deacon, Sunday School teacher and editor of First Pres Magazine. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC where he chairs the Academic Affairs and Student Committee and is Chairman of the Board of ARP Magazine.