About Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr.
Dr. Raymond E. Smith, Jr. is a former educator, decorated combat veteran, and two-term legislator, representing Wayne and Sampson Counties in the North Carolina General Assembly. Born and raised in Goldsboro, Raymond’s role models in life have been his parents, Raymond Sr. and Thelma. Through the example of his father’s time as a U.S. Marine and his mother’s eighteen years of service as a member of the Wayne County School Board, Raymond learned a strong sense of duty and dedication to his community from an early age.
Raymond is a proud graduate of Goldsboro High School and holds three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from NC A&T State University, a Masters in Public Administration from NC Central University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Fayetteville State University. Those institutions instilled a deep commitment to service, equity, and opportunity in Raymond, and they continue to guide how he approaches public leadership.
Prior to serving in the General Assembly, Raymond served his community as an educator and football coach, and made history as the first African American at-large member on the Wayne County Board of Education, where he also served as vice chairman. A decorated Gulf War combat veteran and former military policeman, Raymond served his country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, a record of service he continues today.
Following his time in the military, Raymond was hired by Wayne County to oversee the transition of paratransit service from private to local management and successfully reined in excessive costs, creating significant savings for Wayne County taxpayers. Following his success in Wayne County, he was hired by NCDOT as a statewide transportation planner, helping develop new public transportation systems across North Carolina, including in Eastern North Carolina.
In 2016, Raymond was elected to the At-Large seat on the Wayne County Board of Education, becoming the first African American member to hold the At-Large seat. Serving as Vice Chairman of the Board, Raymond pushed to prioritize the well-being of the district’s children, leading the fight against overcrowding in the county’s schools.
While in the state legislature, Raymond served on committees focusing on Education, Local Government, Finance, Military & Veterans Affairs, Appropriations, and Transportation. During his two terms, he proudly introduced legislation to invest in public education, revitalize communities in Eastern North Carolina, and to expand Medicaid to more than 600,000 North Carolinians who are now able to receive care.
Raymond resides in Goldsboro with his wife, Dr. Cortrina Smith, their three sons, Christopher, Myles, and Maxwell, and two daughters, Tracy and Ashley. He is an active community leader, serving as a Trustee at St. James AME Zion Church and participating in organizations like the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free and Accepted Masons.
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