Brenda Smith

Supervisor, Shared Services Administration
Budget & Resource Planning

First UTSW job: Senior Administrative Assistant in Information Resources-Financial Control.

Best part about my job: I feel like I am part of a huge, caring family. I’ve always believed UT Southwestern would discover a cure for cancer – and still do.

How co-workers describe me: Supportive, loyal, and dedicated. Some might say I am the life of the party; others might say I talk too much, but I’m always smiling and joyful.

Best UTSW memory: I was hired in October 1995 and found out I was pregnant in January 1996. The Information Resources team showered me with so many baby gifts that I had to ask other staffers to use their cars to bring some of them home. I will never forget their kindness and love after only being a member of the team for less than a year.

My proudest UTSW accomplishment: In 2018, I was challenged to convert more than 500 paper files into an electronic filing system, which increased our productivity tremendously. In 2020 when COVID-19 hit, we were able to work from home – no more filing cabinets! I am also a Gold PACT pin recipient.

Surprising fact: I was born in Pineville, Louisiana, and am the best fishing lady between Texas and Louisiana. In Lone Oak, Texas, where I fish a lot, I am known as the Catfish Queen!

Hobbies: Cooking soul food, fishing, dancing, and eating crawfish.

Final note: My first job was as a housekeeper at Parkland Memorial Hospital. My husband, Ron, retired from there in 2019 after serving as a locksmith for 38 years. We are so proud of our two children – our daughter has an M.S.N. and is a Director of Nursing in the Fort Worth area, and our son works for the Dallas Police Department. I also have four grandkids: three girls and one boy.

---