Commissioner Mariella Smith was elected Countywide in 2018. She has been a community advocate for decades, working on community plans, transportation plans, growth management, and environmental protection throughout the county.

Commissioner Smith earned an important award for advocating for smart growth management and organizing public participation in community planning. In addition, she has earned several for her work as an environmental advocate.

Commissioner Smith earned her M.A. in Philosophy, majoring in Ethics, from Florida State University. While at FSU she taught classes in Ethics and Logic. In 1988 she started her own business, InSight Graphic Design, which offered print and web design, and web development services.  She volunteered for many years as a Table Official for Wheelchair Rugby in national and international tournaments, including the Paralympics; and for years she led the training for Hillsborough County staff for Tampa’s annual international Wheelchair Rugby tournament.

A fourth-generation native of Tampa, Commissioner Smith grew up in Tampa. She and her husband, Tres, lived in Temple Terrace for 12 years. They now live in Ruskin, at the mouth of the Little Manatee River and enjoy hiking and biking in the parks, preserves, and trails within Hillsborough County. She serves on the