Jefferson Smith: A Life Defined by Doing Good

In the grand tapestry of life, some individuals stand out as beacons of integrity, driven not solely by personal gain, but by an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Jefferson Smith, a Portland native and former Oregon Representative, is one such remarkable leader whose life journey has been defined by a deep-seated belief in doing good over doing well.

Jefferson’s path to greatness was paved with academic excellence. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University, the world lay at his feet. A prestigious New York law firm offered him a six-figure salary, a golden ticket to financial success. However, destiny had other plans for Jefferson Smith, plans rooted in a profound commitment to his principles.

“It was the tobacco that did me in,” Jefferson recalls with a sly wink. “I wasn’t addicted to nicotine. I don’t smoke. But I worry about the people who do. And my even deeper concern is about the predatory practices of companies that are trying to keep them hooked.” His first job at a prominent New York firm, known for its defense of Big Tobacco, lasted a mere two weeks before he decided to part ways.

This anecdote is more than a footnote in Jefferson Smith’s life; it’s the origin story that laid the foundation for a quarter-century of unwavering dedication to the greater good. For him, the guiding principle has always been clear: it is more important to do good than it is to do well.

Smith’s foray into public service began after returning to Oregon, where he embarked on a journey to shape the political landscape. He co-founded The Bus Project in 2001, a grassroots initiative aimed at engaging young voters across Oregon. Armed with an old bus and a mission to empower the youth with the tools of democracy, they registered voters and introduced them to progressive politics. Their motto, “not left, not right, but forward,” encapsulated their vision of a more inclusive and equitable Oregon. Over time, The Bus Project evolved into Next Up, continuing its mission of building a just and equitable state.

Jefferson Smith’s tenure as a state representative from 2008 to 2012 was marked by a series of impactful achievements. He developed a comprehensive statewide water strategy, pioneered energy-saving retrofits in Oregon public schools, championed government transparency by putting the entire state budget online, and introduced online voter registration. His dedication to social justice was evident in his work, allowing victims of child trafficking to expunge their prostitution convictions at age 21. He also left a memorable mark by “Rickrolling” the legislature, creating a humorous video of Oregon state representatives reciting the lyrics to Rick Astley’s iconic song “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

A gifted orator, Smith’s speeches resonated with audiences and served as a rallying cry for civic engagement. His 2012 commencement address at the University of Oregon even earned a spot on NPR’s list of “Best Commencement Speeches, Ever.” With a demeanor characterized by even-temperament, likability, self-deprecation, and poignant anecdotes, Smith urged everyone to participate in politics, emphasizing that positive change required collective effort.

In the subsequent decade, Jefferson Smith continued his commitment to grassroots activism and Portland’s progressive roots. He assumed the role of Executive Director of XRAY.FM, a nonprofit progressive talk radio station, and hosted a daily program for seven years. Smith also joined the Board of Wayfinding College, a visionary institution reimagining higher education by offering degrees in Self and Society, and Social Change and Civic Action. These endeavors were a testament to his unwavering dedication to the causes he held dear.

As an Advisor at World Oregon, Jefferson Smith contributed to raising public awareness of international affairs. This non-profit, nonpartisan council, originally founded as the World Affairs Council of Oregon in 1950, focused on public programs, education, and fostering global understanding. Smith’s involvement highlighted his commitment to both local and global issues.

Additionally, as a Founding Board Member of Portland Forward, Smith was part of a coalition aiming to transform Portland into a “sustainable, equitable, liveable” city. Their multifaceted agenda encompassed issues such as addressing homelessness, narrowing wage disparities, improving schools, enhancing public transportation, preventing displacement, reducing carbon emissions, and combating police brutality.

Jefferson Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to engage with Tryl.ai, a software development company striving to enhance the accuracy of clinical trials. By minimizing dropout rates, increasing reporting, and ensuring better representation of underrepresented groups, Tryl.ai merged technology and behavioral science to improve scientific recommendations. In a significant development, Tryl.ai was acquired by YPrime, a cloud-based eClinical solutions company, in February 2022.

Throughout his career, Jefferson Smith, though aligned with the Democratic Party, consistently emphasized moving beyond the spectrum of political thinking. He advocated for focusing on values and ideals rather than tribal membership, reinforcing his commitment to the greater good.

In the grand scheme of life, where values often take a backseat to material success, Jefferson Smith’s story stands as a testament to the enduring power of doing good. In a world where everything seems to have a price, Smith reminds us that some things are truly priceless. His life journey is a powerful reminder that it is not what we amass, but what we contribute to the world, that defines our legacy. Jefferson Smith is more interested in doing good than doing well, and that, in itself, is worth a lot, even if it’s not for sale.