Executive vice president of NetJets Aviation. He began his career as a Learjet Line pilot, served as director of pilot training, chief pilot, and director of flight operations before becoming executive vice president.

Richard G. Smith, III, is executive vice president of NetJets Aviation, Inc., where he advises the Office of the Chairman on the company's flight operations, security, maintenance, and labor relations activities.

Smith learned to fly while earning his B.A. in political science at Davidson College. He began his career at NetJets (then Executive Jet Aviation) as a Learjet Line pilot in 1978 and later served as director of pilot training, chief pilot, and director of flight operations before becoming executive vice president in 1991. Today, NetJets is the premier fractional ownership and air operations management company in the nation.

He is an enthusiastic supporter of the Ohio State Flight Team, which competes nationally with other college teams in demonstrating aviation knowledge and skills, and has facilitated NetJets' financial support of the flight team's needs. In addition, he has directed resources to and has personally been involved with other university programs and initiatives, including those in the Fisher College of Business; the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience; the Department of Industrial, Welding, and Systems Engineering; and the Wetlands project. Through his encouragement, NetJets maintains active relationships for ongoing university internships, co-op programs, and employment opportunities.