State Representative Nicholas Smith hails from the Chicago Public Schools system, graduating from Robert A. Black Magnet School and attending Whitney Young Magnet High School. His educational journey continued at Florida A&M University, Olive Harvey College, Chicago State University, and Northern Illinois University. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and continued his studies by taking graduate courses with a focus on community and economic development, higher education administration, and law.

 

Since 1994, Representative Smith has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for South Side Chicago residents. His civic career commenced in Chicago’s 6th Ward under Alderman John Steele, where he interacted with emerging leaders, including former President Barack Obama, who supervised Nick’s deputy registrar training class.

 

His civic engagements extended to the 6th Ward with Alderwoman Freddrenna Lyle. Representative Smith was instrumental in establishing the 87th & Cottage Grove Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Advisory Council and founding the SOAR Community Development Corporation. Additionally, he served as a Roseland Medical District Commissioner and contributed to the Chicago Police Department 5th District Advisory Council.

 

With nearly three decades of community involvement, Nick assumed the role of Illinois State Representative in 2018, representing the 34th House District of the Illinois General Assembly, spanning from the South Side of Chicago to Kankakee County. In the 102nd General Assembly, he chaired the Economic Opportunity & Equity committee. In the 103rd General Assembly, Nick joined the House Leadership Team as Majority Officer and Sergeant at Arms. Presently, he serves on various committees, including Energy and Environment, Executive, Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility, and State Government Administration.

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PROFESSIONAL

• State Representative, 34th District, Illinois House of Representatives

• 9th Ward Streets & Sanitation Superintendent, City of Chicago

• Legislative Aide, Committee on Transportation and Public Way , City of Chicago

• Community Liaison/ Coordinator, Chicago State University

• Investigator, Committee on Budget and Government Operations, City of Chicago

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Commissioner, Roseland Medical District

• Member, Chicago Police 5th District Advisory Council

• Local School Council Member, Harlan Community Academy High School

• Lifetime Member, Chicago State University Alumni Association

• Lifetime Member and Past President, Roseland Heights Community Association 

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AWARDS & HONORS

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2002

• Leona Black Commitment to Community Service Award, State Senator Donne Trotter

 

2003

• Community Leader of the Year Award,  Roseland Heights Community Association’s

Youth Community Council 

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2007

• Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service, Hirsch High School 

• Counselor Partnership Award, South Shore School of the Arts High School 

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2008

• The Employee Alumni Council Award for Dedicated Service, Chicago State University 

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2011 

• Alumni Spirit Award, Chicago State University

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EDUCATION

Chicago State University, Graduate course work in Higher Education Administration

Chicago State University, Graduate course work in Community/ Economic Development

Chicago State University, Bachelors of Science

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