Governor Mike Pence appointed Victor Smith, a 1986 graduate of La Lumiere School, as Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana. In this role, Smith is a member of the governor’s cabinet and leads the state’s domestic and international economic development agenda.
After graduating from La Lumiere School, Smith earned his undergraduate degree from Colgate University and a law degree from the Catholic University of America. He has served as an aide to Vice President Dan Quayle and Senator Dan Coats. His extensive 17-year career in business includes various operations and executive leadership positions with CDS Engineering, Ontario Corporation, an Indiana-based company. Smith successfully directed domestic and international business development agendas through many economic and product cycles in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The governor believes Smith’s knowledge and experience working with Asian, Pacific Rim and West Coast businesses are crucial in leading the Hoosier State’s job-creation efforts and strengthening Indiana’s reputation as a premier state for business. "The reason I chose Victor Smith is because he's a native Hoosier, he's had national and international business experience, he had a desire to come home to Indiana and I just think he is uniquely qualified to tell Indiana's story across the country and across the world," Pence said.
About La Lumiere School
La Lumiere School is a co-educational, independent boarding and day secondary school providing a college-preparatory education based in character, scholarship and faith. Our rigorous education, personal relationships, and focus on values create a rich learning environment for students. They are known by faculty, staff and other students from all grades. This familiarity enables our students to make lasting connections, engage in academics, participate socially and define their path. Founded in the Catholic tradition in 1963, the student body consists of over 200 students from a rich diversity of backgrounds. It is situated on a beautiful rural estate, 25 miles west of South Bend, 60 miles east of Chicago, and 8 miles from both La Porte and New Buffalo. La Lumiere School is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA).
More information about La Lumiere School can be found at www.lalumiere.org or contact Susan Sullivan Yemc, Director of Development at 219-326-7450. ext. 218 or syemc@lalumiere.org