The Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) joins in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Rev. Hilton O. Smith, who passed away on Friday, March 6.

Rev. Smith was a revered corporate, civic, and faith leader whose life reflected a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities. During his distinguished career with Turner Construction Company, he served as Senior Vice President for National Community Affairs. In this role, he championed initiatives supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and helped direct billions of dollars in contracts to diverse firms.

His leadership extended across many sectors of civic life. Rev. Smith served as President of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP and was a strong advocate for minority contractors through his engagement with the National Association of Minority Contractors and its Cleveland affiliate. He also provided leadership to several institutions, including Saint Augustine’s University, Cuyahoga Community College, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Rev. Smith also served faithfully as an ordained minister at Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church.

When BPACF honored Rev. Smith as Black Professional of the Year in 2004, we celebrated not only his professional accomplishments but also his enduring commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting others.

Rev. Smith’s legacy of faith, leadership, and advocacy leaves a lasting imprint on the community and on the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rev. Smith’s family and all who were touched by his life of service.

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2 Cor. 5:8)

Respectfully,

Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, Board President

Laurie Murphy, Executive Director