Smith Anderson Adds COO Jeff Hurst, Expanding Executive Leadership Team

RALEIGH, N.C. — Smith Anderson is pleased to announce that Jeff Hurst has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer, further strengthening its leadership team and advancing the firm’s continued strategic growth and operational initiatives.

Hurst brings 20 years of senior leadership experience overseeing finance and operations for complex, high-growth organizations. He most recently served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of ag-focused biotechnology company Oerth Bio, where he led business operations and strategic execution. Prior to Oerth Bio, Hurst spent nearly 15 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he advanced to director and held various leadership roles in the firm’s assurance practice.

As Chief Operating Officer, Hurst leads Smith Anderson’s core business operations and works closely with firm leadership, including the managing partner and the management committee, to help shape and execute the firm’s strategic plan. In this role, he oversees firm administrative departments, including finance, human resources, innovation and facilities.

“Jeff is an exceptional leader whose operational expertise and strategic perspective will strengthen our firm across the board,” said Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. “His experience leading complex organizations will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and evolve as a firm.”

“Having worked with several Smith Anderson attorneys while I was at Oerth Bio, I saw firsthand the firm’s commitment to client service and the depth and breadth of its team,” Hurst said. “Smith Anderson has a strong reputation in the business community, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth.”

A North Carolina certified public accountant, Hurst has overseen end-to-end business functions spanning finance, budgeting and forecasting, human resources, information technology, facilities, vendor management and information governance. Throughout his career, he has partnered with boards and executive teams to drive operational excellence and scalable growth.