Mike Smith helped put Wake Forest on the map when he and two of his classmates, Scott DuBois and Beth Dawson McAlhany, applied to host the 1988 Presidential Debate at Wait Chapel, a tremendous educational opportunity for students, faculty and staff. This was just the beginning of Mike, who also served as student government president, advocating for Wake Forest’s potential, as he has continued to be an innovative and dedicated leader to the University.
Today, Mike is the CEO of Kane Realty Corporation, a leading real estate development firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he has worked alongside his partner and company founder, John Kane (’74) for the past 25 years. Earlier in his career, he was vice president at Bank of America Securities’ Capital Markets Group and managing director at PNC Capital Markets.
He has been active in the broader North Carolina community, previously serving on the NC Department of Transportation Board, chair of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), and chair of the Wake County Economic Development Board. Mike is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor given for exemplary service to the state of North Carolina. He currently serves on the boards of St. David’s School, John W. Pope Foundation and the Raleigh Police Department Foundation.
He and his wife, Mary Dee Andrews Smith (’93), formerly served as chairs of the Wake Forest University Parents’ Council. As a member of the Wake Forest Board of Trustees, Mike chaired the Athletics Committee and is active on the Leadership and Character Council. He previously served the University as a member of the Council of Chairs, Deacon Club Board and the Alumni Council’s Executive Committee. His daughter, Cameron, a current member of the Alumni Council, and her husband Jackson Cannon, are 2021 Wake Forest graduates.
Mike and Mary Dee raised their three children in Raleigh where they remain active at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and engaged volunteers at the Raleigh Rescue Mission.