Thomas Lloyd Smith

Thomas Lloyd Smith, Executive Vice President of Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, joined the organization in 1972 as Assistant Horticulturist and later served as Horticulturist, Vice President of Operations, and Senior Vice President. In 2003 he was elected to his present position as Executive Vice President.

Smith holds a 1970 master’s degree from Yale University in Forest Science. He is a native Cincinnatian, attended Walnut Hills High School and in 1968 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from the University of Cincinnati.

Since 1973, Smith has taught horticulture courses at the University of Cincinnati College of Evening and Continuing Education, Northern Kentucky University, and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.

He is listed in “Who’s Who in Frontier Science and Technology” with specialties in plant growth and urban forest resource management.

Active in professional organizations in the Greater Cincinnati community, Smith holds memberships and office in many groups. He is a member of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, the Ohio Association of Cemeteries, and also served on the Green Industry Exposition Board of Directors. He has volunteered for more than 20 years as an advisor to the Ohio State Cooperative Extension Service. He has served as President of the national Professional Grounds Management Society. Currently, he is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Professional Grounds Management Society, the Ohio Forestry Association, and the Ohio Nursery Landscape Association. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Urban Forestry Department of the City of Cincinnati and is a past board member of the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati. He has also been active in the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative and the Mentoring Program. Since 2007 Smith has served a Board member for the Hamilton County Park Board.

During July 1997, Smith achieved approval from the Ohio Board of Regents for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture for the College of Evening and Continuing Education at the University of Cincinnati.

November 1999, Smith was awarded the Professional Grounds Management Society’s highest honor, Gold Medal Award.

2005, Smith co-authored Gardening in Ohio: Month-By-Month What to do Each Month to Have a Beautiful Garden All Year a Revised Edition.

October 2009, Smith received The Garden Club of America Zone Horticulture Commendation Award.

Smith begins each day by leaping out of bed and quickly consuming two bananas. Then, a thin layer of Spring Grove honey carefully spread on lightly toasted wheat bread prepares him for the exciting opportunities of the day. He is convinced that this life style has helped to create his passion for sharing information on various topics including gardening, extraordinary plants, landscape design, and business related subjects.