Andreas (A.J.) Smith, CCIM, brings over 25 years of distinguished real estate expertise to his role as Senior Vice President of Brokerage and Valuation Services at Retail Specialists. His comprehensive career encompasses more than $10.8 billion in property valuations through Smith Appraisal Services, Inc., and advisory participation in real estate transactions exceeding $5 billion. As a gubernatorial appointee to the Alabama Real Estate Appraiser’s Board, nominated by Governor Kay Ivey, Smith demonstrates his standing as a trusted authority in real estate valuation and policy.
Smith’s leadership in transformative public-private partnerships exemplifies his strategic approach to complex real estate development. Reporting directly to the Executive Director during his tenure as Director of Real Estate Development for the Huntsville Housing Authority, he led cross-functional teams in executing a $300 million redevelopment initiative supported by HUD’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grant, coordinating comprehensive feasibility studies, stakeholder negotiations, and financial structuring from concept through pre-construction while collaborating closely with city, community, and federal partners. His experience as Chief Operating Officer at Coldwell Banker Commercial-McLain and Principal at Municipal Realty Advisors, a boutique lobbying firm, has resulted in successful retail recruitment and mixed-use development planning across secondary and tertiary markets throughout the Southeast
Smith’s commitment to professional excellence is reflected in his advanced academic credentials and ongoing educational pursuits. Currently enrolled as project lead in Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s Advanced Management Development Program (AMDP), Class 26, he brings forward-thinking leadership to major redevelopment design studies in the Southeast. His educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Auburn University, an advanced certificate in Public Private Partnerships from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
