Dr. Wade Smith

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Prior to joining OAC Services as a Senior Director for Education in July 2025, Wade served as Superintendent for nine years for Walla Walla Public Schools. During his tenure he spearheaded the passage and delivery of the district's largest school bond on record with an impressive 73% yes vote, providing over $130M in improvements across multiple campuses. In 2024, Wade also oversaw the successful Outdoor Athletic and Activity measure, the first capital levy in the district's 167-year history.

Prior to leading Walla Walla Schools, he spent nine years in the Hermiston School District, where he managed multiple facility improvements and upgrades through numerous capital initiatives. Before joining Hermiston, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Morrow County School District, supervising multiple departments including support services and facility improvements. 

Smith grew up near Beaverton, OR. A first-generation college student, he attended Willamette University, earning his Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry.  While at Willamette, Wade met his wife, Marianne. They enrolled and completed the Masters in Education program together, have been happily married for over twenty-five years, and have two adult daughters.

First starting out as a high school science teacher, Wade then pursued his principal and superintendent credentials through Lewis and Clark College. He later earned his doctorate in education, his dissertation focused on construction delivery models associated with K-12 capital referenda. Over his career, he has led numerous successful bond and levy measures, overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements across multiple districts. Smith is a Certified Construction Manager from the Construction Management Association of America, Associate Design-Build Certified from the DBIA and accredited LEED Green Associate. Wade has presented multiple times at state and national educational conferences on topics such as school bonds/levies, construction delivery models, campaign strategies and district branding/marketing. He has also been asked to present on educational finance, equity and belonging, and educational leadership.   

In 2021 Dr. Smith was recognized by the Washington Association of School Administrator's with the Robert J. Handy Most Effective Leader Award for all large school districts in Washington State.  Smith also received a WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award in 2021 for improving outcomes for students by closing the graduation gap for Latino students.  Dr. Smith has served on a number of state committees, workgroups, and advisory roles advocating for improved school facilities, educational funding and student experiences.

When he is not busy supporting either community or student events, you are likely to find Wade spending time recreating in the mountains as an avid outdoorsman.