Marvin O. Smith, a Tallulah (LA) native, resides in Monroe (LA) and is President of The Marketing Exchange, LLC, a marketing consulting firm that provides technical assistance to businesses and organizations by creating and implementing new marketing strategies in the areas of advertising, public relations, sales training and fundraising. His expertise has been provided to hotel chains, medical professionals, engineering firms, telecommunication companies, personnel agencies, Internet & e-businesses, restaurants, churches and non-profit groups.

Most recently, Smith served as Marketing Manager for the Monroe (LA) Chamber of Commerce. His primary responsibility was to carry out the marketing & sales efforts of the Chamber, including membership & business recruitment, e-commerce opportunities, and fundraising. In two years, his efforts generated nearly $1.4 million in cash and in-kind donations for the Chamber.

Smith has gained training and knowledge in government relations, economic development, workforce development and transportation & infrastructure. He also served two years as Executive Director of the Northeast Louisiana Agribusiness Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the agricultural industry in northeast Louisiana. Under his leadership, the annual AG-Expo trade show became the largest agricultural trade show in the state, 3rd largest in the mid-South, drawing more than 18,000 spectators and generating nearly $100,000 in revenue.

Smith received his BS degree in Finance from Louisiana Tech University (Ruston, LA) in 1993 and has four years experience in the banking, insurance and financial planning industries. Past employers include Central Bank/Bank One, State Farm Insurance Companies and The Prudential. A Certified Toastmaster (CTM), he is a motivational speaker for both youths and adults. Smith has been recognized nationally for his approach to corporate partnerships, cultural diversity and investor relations by such organizations as Black Enterprise Magazine(November 2001), The News-Star, American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and the National Association for Membership Development (NAMD).

He is a member of Christian Life Church in Monroe where he has served on the pastoral staff, coordinated the prayer ministry and sang in the choir. Other community involvement includes serving as a Founder, President & Chairman of the Minority Business Council of Northeast Louisiana, Board member of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Ouachita Economic Development Corporation, Delta Community College Foundation, and Strauss Theatre Center; member/volunteer of the YWCA Strategic Visioning Team, Big Brother Big Sister Program, West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce, Ad Club of Northeast Louisiana, Monroe Rotary, American Heart Association, OIC of Ouachita, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Red Cross.

Smith and his wife Tiffany are the proud parents of two daughters, Taylor (8) and Jaeda (6).