Education
She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in political science, and later earned a master"s degree in business administration from Dartmouth College.
She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in political science, and later earned a master"s degree in business administration from Dartmouth College.
Prior to going to college, Smith worked on the Transport-Alaskan Pipeline in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Smith worked in marketing for General Mills, ran her own marketing firm, and served as a Vice President of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Dayton appointed Smith as chief of staff when he took office in 2011.
When Dayton"s running mate from 2010, Lieutenant
Government. Yvonne Prettner Solon, announced she would not seek re-election, Dayton passed over better-known political officeholders, citing Smith"s work on shepherding the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium through the legislature, as well as her work on supporting the Destination Medical Center Project with the Mayo Clinic and the City of Rochester, Minnesota.
Smith stepped down as chief of staff to campaign for Lieutenant Governor. She was nominated by acclamation at the DFL state convention, and she and Dayton faced only token opposition in the gubernatorial primary.