Brady Smith, assistant general manager of Zara’s Collision Center in Springfield, Ill., has graduated from the 2013-14 class of Leadership Springfield, an affiliate of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Smith also was selected to deliver the program recap at the banquet honoring graduates.
Leadership Springfield exposes participants to critical issues affecting the Springfield area. The class met with community leaders and decision makers who shared perspectives on significant problems and opportunities, including:
- Business and economic development
- Government
- Social/family issues and education
- Aging and health care
- Human services
- Law enforcement and justice
- Arts, religion and philanthropy
- Community groups
- Community history
Smith began his career at Zara’s part-time in June 2008 while still a teenager. His experience at Zara’s has encompassed facility maintenance, vehicle detailing, paint prep for a range of makes and models, customer service and bookkeeping. In February of 2013, Smith was named assistant general manager of Zara’s after earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University in Springfield.
“Brady’s individual group project for the leadership class was to develop a marketing plan for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra,” said Brad Zara, president of Zara’s Collision Center. “I know from the capabilities he brings to our operation that the Symphony will benefit greatly from the group’s recommendations. Brady has commented throughout the year that Leadership Springfield has been a tremendous forum to form relationships with other professionals and to learn more about our community. We’re especially proud that Brady was selected by the program’s leadership to deliver the recap at the banquet.”
Smith will be joining the Leadership Springfield board of directors beginning with the 2014-15 class year. The invitation was extended by Jim Alberts, president of the Leadership Springfield board.
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