President, SLS Land & Energy Development
By Samantha Cart
Growing up outside of Glenville, WV, Sarah Smith cultivated a passion for politics at an early age. While serving as a page for the West Virginia Legislature in the early 1990s, she was bitten by the political bug and dreamed of becoming the first female governor of West Virginia.
“The legislative process was and still is fascinating to me,” she says. “My first professional job was working for Governor Joe Manchin as part of the legislative affairs team. It was an incredible experience and one that made me a better employee and professional. Plus, the political junkie in me was in heaven.”
It was from those early experiences that she learned one person often has to wear many hats, no task is too small, teamwork and hard work are essential and soft skills like being easy to work with and being a team player matter. These lessons served Smith well when she made the biggest decision of her professional life in 2015 and joined her father at his business, SLS Land & Energy Development, where she now serves as president. This transition has been Smith’s toughest obstacle to date.
“I underestimated the challenge of finding a way to put my touch on the company and moving it into the future while still being respectful of what my father built all those years ago,” she says. “Some days I feel like I’m doing a good job, and others I feel like I need a lot of help. It has been a very humbling process.”
Smith’s personal and professional life are rooted in family, and her relatives continue to be her main source of support and encouragement.
“I grew up with strong, loving parents and an extended family that continually offers support,” she says. “I know there is a group of people who have my back no matter what, and that type of security breeds confidence.”
While she didn’t end up in politics, Smith’s role spearheading a major land and energy development company requires knowledge of the rules and regulations regarding drilling, surveying, environmental law, inspections and site assessments. She attributes her ability to adapt to change to her strong work ethic and dedication to making SLS the best it can be.
“It makes me proud to know SLS provides jobs, contributes to the economy and plays a part in various development projects with the services we provide,” she says. “Knowing you are making changes for the better is exciting and motivating.”
Smith’s West Virginia roots not only inspire her professional life but her personal life as well.
“I was born and raised in West Virginia, my family and friends are here, and I have had career opportunities that living in West Virginia has afforded me,” she says. “West Virginia often does not get the respect and love it deserves. Our state needs ambassadors who contribute to what makes us great and who are willing to try to overcome our challenges.”
Smith is one of those ambassadors determined to move the Mountain State forward, which is made obvious by her commitment to serving her community. She currently serves on the board of directors for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia Independent Oil and Gas Association and Leadership West Virginia, where she is also on the selection committee. She is a member of the leadership council for the West Virginia University Cancer Institute and a member and volunteer with the golf tournament committee for the Boy Scouts of America Buckskin Council.
“I feel it is our responsibility to help others—both individuals and organizations—that do good work in the community,” she says. “Giving back improves the lives of those who live and work in our great state. When I am choosing which groups to serve, I look to those that share my core values—a love of West Virginia, advancing women’s issues, helping the underserved and promoting leadership and lasting life skills that will help leave things better than we found them.”
