Frank R. Smith was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He started school at Margaret Murphy and graduated from Hudson Falls Central High School in 1974. Frank attended Adirondack Community College and graduated with an AS in mechanical engineering in 1976. He transferred to Norwich University. At Norwich, Frank was the Regimental S4 and graduated in 1978 with a BS in mechanical engineering.
Frank’s first job in aviation was at Pratt 7 Whitney in Hartford, CT where he worked on the JT8D-209/217 programs. Recruited by Williams International, Frank and his wife Joyce moved to Michigan in 1981. Frank worked his way up from the position of Repair and Overhaul engineer to his current positions of Sr. VP Product Support and Assurance, Sr. VP Aurora Aircraft, and FAA Organization Delegated Authority Holder at Williams International.
Frank is a member of the Advisory Board at Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology supporting the development of Airframe and Powerplant mechanics for future aviation employment.
Frank enjoys being active in service projects including working at Food Banks, rebuilding homes through the Appalachian Service projects to helping to build hand cranked mobility carts through World Wide Mobility.
Frank enjoyed the Derby Park activities as well as the activities in BSA Troop 83 growing up. As a way to reach back and repay that volunteer work, Frank has supported the Amorak Youth Group in Hudson Falls.
Along the way, Frank has worked on many projects including the Global Flyer, the SK60 Swedish trainer, the cruise missile engine, and many General Aviation aircraft where the FJ33 and FJ44 series of engines are installed.
Frank and Joyce reside in Wixom, Michigan and are the parents of two daughters, Sarah of Mason and Lisa of West Bloomfield, Michigan. They are also the proud grandparents of two grandchildren.