Stacye Smith ’86
Trustee
Education
B.A., Stephens College
About Stacye Smith ’86
Stacye Smith serves as Vice President of People Resources for Shelter Insurance Companies, where she leads enterprise-wide strategies focused on talent development, employee engagement, total rewards, and workforce effectiveness. She holds several professional designations that reflect her broad expertise, including Certified Diversity Executive, Certified Compensation Professional, and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter.
During nearly four decades with Shelter Insurance, she has served in a variety of leadership positions, including Director of Inclusion and Engagement, Director of Human Resources, Manager of Human Resource Programs, and Manager of Sales Training. She is widely recognized as a trusted advisor who partners with executive leadership to develop people-focused strategies that align with business objectives designed to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce.
A 1986 graduate of Stephens College, Stacye earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She has a deep connection to the college through both her education and her family’s ties. Her father worked at Stephens for many years, giving her a lifelong appreciation for the school. Having experienced firsthand the transformative impact of a Stephens education, she remains a strong advocate for the college and its students.
Stacye is a respected leader in the Columbia community and has dedicated much of her career to service and civic engagement. She currently serves on the Boone Health Governing Board, the Board of Directors for Centerstone and the Day Dreams Foundation, and the James and Annelle Whitt Educational Development Foundation Advisory Board. Her previous board service includes the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia, Columbia African American Association, Meals on Wheels, and the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission.
Recognized for her impact in both business and community leadership, Stacye has received several honors, including the Missouri State Council of SHRM LEAD Award, the Salvation Army Women Doing Good Award, the Columbia Values Diversity Individual Award, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Association Award. A frequent speaker and panelist, Stacye has shared her expertise on workforce development, diversity, leadership, and community engagement with organizations throughout Missouri.
Stacye’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that organizations thrive when they invest in people, act with integrity, and create opportunities for growth. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential while creating workplaces and communities where all people can thrive. Her approach emphasizes building authentic relationships, listening to diverse perspectives, and fostering accountability.
Guided by the belief that leadership is about influence rather than authority, Stacye is committed to creating lasting, positive impact in both the workplace and the community. Her professional success and extensive civic engagement demonstrate a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, purpose, and service to others.