Meet Geoff Smith
Geoff Smith is a lifelong resident of Avon Lake who has dedicated more than four decades to serving his community through law, leadership, and civic involvement. He currently serves as an At-Large member of Avon Lake City Council, having been appointed in 2023, and is running for re-election on November 4th.
A Career of Public Service
Geoff’s legal and civic career reflects his commitment to fairness, accountability, and community growth. He previously served as Law Director for the City of Avon Lake, where he supervised the Prosecutor’s office and worked directly on cases impacting local residents. He also served as an Assistant Law Director and Prosecutor for the City of Lorain and later as Administrative Legal Counsel to Elyria Mayor Holly Brinda.
Across more than 20 years in public service, Geoff authored over 200 formal legal opinions that guided important municipal decisions. His experience gives him a unique understanding of how city government operates — and how it can best serve its citizens.
Legal and Professional Experience
For over 40 years, Geoff has also maintained a successful private law practice. He began his career at Smith and Smith in Avon Lake in 1983 and eventually became managing partner of the firm before opening his own practice in Elyria in 2004. His work has included representing residents and businesses in municipal courts throughout the region, handling cases from housing disputes to local ordinances.
This balance of public and private sector experience helps him bring both legal knowledge and practical problem-solving skills to City Council.
Deep Community Roots
Beyond his professional work, Geoff has always believed in giving back to the community that raised him. He served for over 20 years on the Board of Trustees for the Avon/Avon Lake Chamber of Commerce, playing a key role in its transformation into the North Coast Chamber of Commerce and in launching the Chamber’s scholarship program for local high school students.
He has also been a dedicated youth mentor and coach, volunteering in Avon Lake youth baseball and basketball, CYO programs at St. Joseph Parish, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. Today, he continues his parish involvement at St. Thomas Parish, serving on its Finance Committee.
Geoff currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Primary Purpose Center, Inc., a nonprofit providing residential recovery housing to more than 100 men and women in the community.
Family and Personal Life
Geoff is a proud father of two children who still live in the area and recently became a grandfather. He values family, community, and the importance of creating a city where future generations can thrive.
In his free time, Geoff enjoys golf, attending local fundraisers, and cheering on Cleveland’s professional sports teams — especially his beloved Guardians, still waiting for that long-overdue World Series championship.
Education and Affiliations
Saint Ignatius High School graduate
University of Southern California, undergraduate degree
Case Western Reserve University, Juris Doctor
Licensed to practice law in Ohio, Florida, Federal District Courts of Northern Ohio, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Active member of the Lorain County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association
