Meet Charlie Smith
Current Role
Charlie Smith has over 38 years experience in the financial services industry, first as a financial advisor, next as an agency manager and developer of people and finally, as an insurance industry executive.
In 2006 Charlie and his wife, Mary, opened The Cumberland Financial Group LLC located in St. Marys, Georgia. The firm's mission is to help clients make informed financial decisions as they prepare for the future.
Educational Background
Charlie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1958 with an AB degree. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree and a Master of Theology degree from Southeastern Theological Seminary at Wake Forest, North Carolina. In 1971 Charlie enrolled in the advanced studies program of The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where he was awarded The Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1976 and The Chartered Financial Consultant designation in 1984. He also holds a graduate certificate in Financial Counseling from The American College and in 1988 The National Association of Estate Planning Counsels awarded Charlie the designation, Accredited Estate Planner.
Professional Highlights
Charlie joined Prudential Financial in 1969 as an agent in the company's Charlotte, North Carolina agency. Charlie quickly excelled ranking among the company's top agents his first year. During the summer of 1971 Charlie was offered a management position with the company and in 1976 he was named Managing Director of Prudential's Palm Beach Agency, a position he held for 23 years. Under his leadership, the agency became one of the largest and most successful Prudential agencies in America. The Palm Beach Agency garnered 15 President's Citations, led the company in Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualifiers and promoted six associates to various home office positions.
During his years in field management Charlie served as President of five industry associations and in 1997 was elected President of GAMA International. Following his presidential year Charlie became CEO of GAMA International, a position he held until 2003. In 2004 Charlie was chosen to serve as Chairman of the industry's Task Force For The Future.
A gifted speaker and writer, Charlie was a frequent main platform speaker at industry meetings. Over his career he has addressed over 45 insurance companies in the U.S. and in 12 foreign countries.
Community Involvement
Charlie's community service includes membership on the Board of Directors of the Chemical Trust Company of Florida, the Advisory Board of the Rinker School of Business at Palm Beach Atlantic University where he served as Founder of the Lifework Planning Institute. In the early 1990's he served as Chair of Planned Giving for Northwood University where he was a frequent speaker in the college's university program.
Charlie also found time to serve as a T-Ball coach, a Rotarian, a Sunday School teacher and an Elder at the Tequesta Presbyterian Church.
Honors and Awards
In 1999 Charlie received the American Free Enterprise Companion Medal from Palm Beach Atlantic University in recognition of his distinguished service to the university and the community.
In 2005 Charlie received the highest honor in the financial services industry, the prestigious John Newton Russell Memorial Award, in recognition of his lifelong service and contributions to the life insurance industry.
In December of 2005 the Round Table of New York honored Charlie with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
In March of 2007 Charlie became the 44th inductee into GAMA International's Management Hall of Fame, the highest management honor in the fianacial services industry.
Affiliations
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
GAMA International
The American Society of Financial Professionals
Camden County Chamber of Commerce
The Navy League
First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys
Family
Charlie and his wife Mary have 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
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