Archie Smart, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dose Reconstruction Program, managed by a team led by ORAU, embodies a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. Over his 21-year tenure at ORAU, Smart has managed complex projects with a focus on operations, acquisition, budgeting, HR and training, all while overseeing the seamless integration of facility, property, subcontractor and transportation management. However, his journey to this leadership role is deeply rooted in his early experiences as an Army Adjutant General Corp officer. This path shaped his approach to career and life.
From Military Roots to Civilian Leadership
Smart’s military service spans almost a decade, serving in various roles across West Germany and the United States. His initial aspiration was to become a General’s Aide-de-Camp, but his assignment as a Community Morale Support Fund Officer in West Germany laid the foundation for his civilian career. In this role, he managed funds for community activities, honing his skills in finance, operations and leadership—skills that he continues to leverage today.
Transitioning from a 42B Community Morale Support Officer to a 42A Personnel Officer and eventually to the Executive Officer (XO) of the 574th Personal Service Company, Smart adapted his financial acumen to personnel management and operations. His ability to blend his skills in finance with a strategic vision for operations enabled him to thrive in leadership roles, culminating in his current position at ORAU, where he oversees the execution of the NIOSH Dose Reconstruction Program, a critical project under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
A Pastor’s Heart in a Leader’s Role
Beyond his professional achievements, Smart is also a pastor, a role that further deepens his commitment to service. For Smart, there is no distinction between serving his country and serving his faith; both represent a profound commitment to a cause greater than oneself. This ethos permeates every aspect of his life, guiding his professional mission at ORAU and his personal dedication to his community.
Smart’s service philosophy extends into his work at ORAU, where he has dedicated the past 21 years to ensuring the well-being of workers who contributed to the Manhattan Project and other Department of Energy and Atomic Weapons Establishment nuclear sites. His work supports thousands of claimants and their families, offering financial and medical resources that acknowledge their sacrifices.
Mission-Driven, Task-Oriented: A Leader’s Guiding Principle
Smart defines himself as “Mission Driven – Task Oriented,” a realization that crystallized during a Myers-Briggs assessment at ORAU. Whether at home, work or play, Smart’s approach is consistent: understand the mission, determine the tasks and pursue completion with unwavering dedication. This mindset has driven his personal and professional success and earned him the respect and trust of his colleagues and family.
At ORAU, Smart has found a culture that aligns with his values. Recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Company, ORAU’s commitment to veterans resonates deeply with Smart, who believes veterans bring a unique strategic and problem-solving mindset to the workforce. For Smart, ORAU is more than a workplace—it’s a “safe place” for veterans transitioning to civilian life, providing a supportive environment that recognizes and values their contributions.
Educational Growth & Strategic Vision
Smart recently completed an MBA in organizational leadership, an achievement that has further refined his leadership style. The program provided him with principles and strategies that validate and enhance the practices he had intuitively developed throughout his career. Applying his education, Smart successfully advocated for creating an Online Training Module Program at ORAU, securing additional funding and expanding the project’s scope.
Balancing Career & Family
Despite his demanding career, Smart maintains a balance with his family life, especially as Papi to Mason, the son of his wife Millette’s niece. Smart and Millette share the “Mission Driven – Task Oriented” mindset, which has been both a guiding and unifying force in their marriage. However, with Mason’s arrival six years ago, Smart acknowledges that family now sets the mission, with Mason often dictating the tasks in their daily lives.
Message of Service & Commitment
Reflecting on his journey, Smart’s message to others is simple yet profound: find a mission greater than oneself and commit fully. Whether ministering for his faith, serving in the military, leading at ORAU, or guiding his family, Smart’s life is a testament to the power of purpose, dedication and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In every role, Smart continues to embody the spirit of service, inspiring those around him to find their mission and follow it with determination.
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