TALLAHASSEE, FL - On May 6, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Zack Smith to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. 

Zack Smith
Smith is a Senior Legal Fellow and Manager of the Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program at The Heritage Foundation. A lifelong resident of Pensacola, he is deeply committed to the growth and development of his community. Smith’s longstanding connection to the University of West Florida, where he served as an Adjunct Professor, reflects his dedication to fostering local talent and advancing legal education in the region. He also contributes to the community as a Commissioner on the First Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, which oversees judicial appointments from Escambia to Walton County-areas with which he has a thorough understanding.

Before joining The Heritage Foundation, Smith served as the Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, advocating for the people of Pensacola and the surrounding areas in federal legal matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science, his master’s degree in political science, and his juris doctor from the University of Florida, but it’s his deep roots in Pensacola and his ties to the University of West Florida that have always been central to his career. Today, Smith’s expertise continues to shape legal and policy discussions, grounded in the strong foundation he built in his hometown and at the University of West Florida.

This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.