Prominent Business Executive and Former RTI Chief Legal Officer Joins Smith Anderson

RALEIGH, N.C. — March 3, 2026 — Smith Anderson announces that Eddie Story has joined the firm as Of Counsel, strengthening the firm’s strategic growth initiatives and client engagement efforts.

Eddie works closely with the firm’s attorneys and leadership team to deepen existing client relationships and build new connections across the business community nationwide. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience advising boards, CEOs and executive teams within complex, mission-driven global organizations, he brings clients firsthand insight into the governance, risk, compliance and strategic challenges facing today’s corporate leaders.

Most recently, Eddie served as senior legal advisor – corporate governance at RTI International, supporting leadership continuity and the transition of the organization’s incoming chief legal officer. From 2008 to 2024, he served as executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary at RTI and was a member of its Executive Leadership Team. He advised the Board of Governors and senior management while overseeing global legal affairs, compliance and enterprise risk management. He also led RTI’s Technology Advancement and Commercialization and Discovery Sciences business units, giving him broad operational insight beyond the legal function.

“Eddie brings a rare combination of boardroom experience, operational leadership and deep business insight,” said Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. “He understands what is important to executives, and  his perspective will help us anticipate client needs, open new doors, and strengthen our trusted relationships.”

A North Carolina native, Eddie earned his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University. He has remained actively engaged in civic and professional leadership throughout his career, earning the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina for exemplary service to the state. He has served on the boards of the WakeMed Foundation and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, including serving as chair of the FBCENC. Eddie currently serves on the Campbell University School of Law Alumni Board.

For more information about Smith Anderson and its team, visit www.smithlaw.com.