Blaylock Van is excited to announce Lisa Smith joining the team as Executive Director, Co-Head of Public Finance (Western Region). More about Lisa:
During her 35+ year career as a senior corporate finance executive, investment banking leader and municipal finance advisor, she has held leadership roles with premier global financial firms and national investment banks leading financings for many major capital and critical infrastructure projects. Lisa’s global perspective, strong financial acumen in both corporate and public finance, and exceptional strategic skills are hallmarks of her career. Her critical contribution to boards is her recognition as a strategic advisor. She offers leadership and insights that foster collaboration and build trust to drive organizational growth, innovation, and enhanced financial results.
Throughout her professional career, Lisa was highly respected for contributing significant industry expertise as a trusted partner and advisor to governmental leaders in California and Illinois having structured, managed and provided complex technical and analytical expertise on over $75 billion in bond transactions. She was a Managing Director in the Public Finance Group of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, the Head of the West Region for two national investment banks (Siebert Williams Shank and Loop Capital Markets) and the Managing Partner of a national municipal advisory firm (Gardner, Underwood & Bacon). In recognition of her leadership and industry expertise, she was honored by her peers with the 2012 “She’s Our Hero” Award given by the National Women in Public Finance in January 2012. She subsequently expanded the organization’s presence to the West Coast, co-founding and serving as President of the Los Angeles Chapter.
In recognition of her industry and business expertise, Lisa has served on boards and advisory councils of numerous nationally known organizations. She is a member of the Milken Institute’s Center for Financial Markets Public Finance Advisory Council. She served as Chair of the Los Angeles Advisory Board of the MUFG Union Bank Foundation and served on the Executive Committee of MUFG Union Bank’s Community Recovery Plan. She was the Treasurer and Chair of the Audit Committee for Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital’s Advisory Board, and the Treasurer and Chair of the Audit Committee for the Campaign for College Opportunity.
Lisa’s corporate banking experience as a Global Relationship Manager encompassed originating, structuring and managing a $6 billion credit facility portfolio, managing $4 billion in depository relationships and soliciting and coordinating cross-sell products for public agencies. As an investment banker, she led business expansion efforts that successfully grew revenues and dramatically increased market share for the region. She helped to develop the structure and strategy for several large complex financings that were nominated and won “Deal of the Year” by the Bond Buyer, a national industry publication.
Ms. Smith has a BA from Amherst College in Economics and an MBA in Finance from UCLA, Anderson School of Management. She is a Registered Securities Representative holding Series 52, 53, 63 and 79 licenses. She completed the UCLA Anderson School of Management Corporate Governance Program – Women in Governance Program. She divides her time between Henderson, Nevada and Southern California.
