Kenya J.H. Smith

Kenya Smith was appointed Executive Assistant for Intergovernmental Relations to Mayor C. Ray Nagin in August 2005. Smith was responsible for carrying out the Mayor's legislative priorities. To this end, he oversaw local, state, and federal governmental relations, and lobbying efforts. He also directed the Mayor’s Office of Public Advocacy, volunteer services, grant monitoring, mayoral fellows, and human rights.

Smith previously served as Executive Counsel to the Mayor where he spearheaded and monitored specific initiatives, on the Mayor's behalf, which involved intergovernmental, economic development, and community issues. He also advised Mayor Nagin on contracting and other legal issues.

Prior to joining Mayor Nagin’s staff, Smith practiced law with Adams & Reese, LLP in the firm’s Transactions and Corporate Advisory Services Group, which represented local, regional, and national clients in matters including general commercial, contracts, intellectual property, securities, employment, real estate, estate planning, and corporate governance. Smith also provided licensing and other regulatory representation before federal, state, and local authorities.