Leighton Gray Smith, Executive Director

A Hilton Head Island native, Leighton Gray Smith is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, earning a degree in Biological Sciences with Honors and Leadership Distinction. She most recently graduated from USC with her Master’s in Public Administration.

Smith began her political career managing a competitive State House re-election campaign and quickly rose through the ranks, playing a pivotal role in flipping South Carolina’s First Congressional District back to Republican control in 2020. Before becoming Executive Director of the South Carolina Republican Party in July of 2024, Smith managed Lt. Col Sheri Biggs’ Congressional campaign and served as the South Carolina Operations Director for Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign where she oversaw large-scale events and grassroots outreach. She previously worked at Starboard Communications and Surge Public Affairs, where she was instrumental in dozens of political campaigns, most notably Daniel Rickenmann’s victory in the City of Columbia mayoral race. 

In her free time, she enjoys cheering on the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium or going home to visit her family in Hilton Head with her pup, Atlas!