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Weldon native Gentry O. Smith, assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, will speak about Weldon and the World, describing his experiences and lessons learned from his international career as a diplomat and law enforcement officer. 

The event will be held on Friday, February 10, 1 p.m., at the Weldon High School gymnasium, 415 County Road, and is free and open to the public. 

Smith oversees the Diplomatic Security Service, the federal law enforcement and security arm of the United States Department of State. 

He is only the third DSS special agent to be appointed to the position of assistant secretary for diplomatic security and the first Black special agent to serve in that role.     

During his 30-plus years of domestic and foreign service with DSS, the assistant secretary has served as a regional security officer at United States embassies in Tokyo, Japan, and Rangoon, Burma, and was stationed in Cairo, Egypt, for two tours of duty. 

Additionally, his work has taken him to many countries to engage with diplomats and officials on matters of dignitary protection, passport and visa fraud, threat analysis, cybersecurity, antiterrorism training and security technology.

Smith is often heard saying that his formative years in Weldon have served him well throughout his personal and professional life. “Wherever I have gone and whatever I’ve done, I’ve taken pride in demonstrating that I was raised and taught well.” 

His life of service is a model for young people today.     

Smith is the son of the late Oliver R. Smith and Dorothy Virginia Smith, the brother of Weldon Commissioner Rev. John W. Smith Sr., and brother of the late Pamela Smith Whitaker of Rocky Mount. He received a BA in political science from North Carolina State University where, in 2018, he was recognized as a distinguished alumnus. 

After graduation, he served as a police officer in Raleigh until 1987 when he joined DSS as a special agent.

Smith’s visit to his native Weldon is co-sponsored by the newly formed town revitalization non-profit Weldon In Action and Tau Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. 

He is Weldon In Action’s second guest speaker in its Weldon Heritage Speaker Series and is speaking during Black History Month. 

For more information contact James “Coach Tank” Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 252-578-4066.