By Judy Sheahan
January 12, 2009

A major part of Guy Smith’s life was dedicated to bringing young people into public service. He mentored many, almost like his own children, following their lives as they matured in their careers. In honor of his dedication to the youth of the country, The U.S. Conference of Mayors Guy Francis Smith Internship Fund has been created. Send memorial contributions to: The U.S. Conference of Mayors Guy Francis Smith Internship Fund 1620 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20006

Over three hundred people gathered at the National Press Club January 7 to commemorate the life of Guy F. Smith, Managing Editor of U.S.Mayor, the official publication for The U.S. Conference of Mayors.

People who spoke included: Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran, Council for the New American City Director David Gatton, U.S.Mayor Art Director/Production Manager Wendy Wilkerson, and former Conference of Mayors interns: Assistant Executive Director Judy Sheahan and Director of Internet Strategy David Burns. Other speakers included National Association of Counties Legislative Director Ed Rosado (who worked with Guy in their earlier careers on Puerto Rico issues), Barbara Dill (friend of Smith’s from Alexandria), his nephew Kevin Carstens, and niece Carrie Wall.

Other participants included the former Governor of Puerto Rico and former San Juan Mayor Carlos Romero-Barcelo, former East Orange (NJ) Mayor Cardell Cooper, and former Scranton (PA) Mayor James McNulty. Other special guests were past Presidents of the Conference of Mayors: former Fort Wayne (IN) Mayor Paul Helmke and former York (PA) Mayor Bill Althaus.

There will be a special recognition of Smith at the upcoming 77th Winter Meeting of the Conference of Mayors in Washington (DC) along with a special tribute in the next edition of U.S.Mayor. Mayors and their staff are welcome to add their thoughts and memories of Smith on our website at usmayors.org.