The Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University has announced the addition of James R. Smith, FACHE to its Board of Advisors

December 14, 2015

James SmithJames R. Smith, FACHE, Executive Vice President of GE Healthcare Camden Group has more than 30 years of experience as a nationally recognized healthcare consultant and leader of for-profit and not-for-profit health plans, health networks, hospitals and health systems.

Mr. Smith has an impressive background aiding individuals in need both personally and administratively. Early in his career Smith became one of his State’s youngest EMT’s and Paramedic’s. As a volunteer firefighter he came to the aid of ill and injured people who were suffering and unable to access care or were far away from care. He joined the Air force, serving as a flight medic and after his discharge he organized and built an emergency medical and communication system in his community that coordinated the care and transportation of injured and ill people. Smith also served on several local United Ways as well as the United Way of NY’s Board of Directors where he supported effective and caring social service agencies that aided the community.

Smith’s inspiration to aid those in need comes from his lifetime of working in the field, and from personal relationships. One of Smith’s uncles used a wheelchair after contracting Polio, and was Smith’s childhood hero. His uncle had lost the use of his legs, his job, and easy access to many aspects of his life, but Smith watched him turn losses into gains through personal strength and with a community of support. His uncle went on to become a successful entrepreneur, helped raise his two children, and was an active volunteer and vital part of his community for more than 40 years. Witnessing the strength and resilience of his uncle has been an inspiration in Smith’s life, and has contributed greatly to his dedicated advancement of the civic, economic, and social participation of those in need of service.

Smith’s lifetime of service in the interest of the community is inspired by his life experiences and by his personal heroes, and that inspiration drives his commitment to developing solutions that lead to better patient care. Jim continues to honor his history and his heroes by working as a leader of the GE Healthcare Camden Group and by participating in the vision of the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI).