– by Janelle Goodrich

We’re kicking off our Meet the Board Series with Marcus Smith, Bank of America relationship manager, newly elected Treasurer, and incoming chair of the Finance Committee. Marcus isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s a growth architect who believes budgets should tell a community’s success story.

A Tweet-Sized Day Job

At Bank of America, Marcus advises mid- to large-size companies across Charlotte, tailoring loans, deposits, cash-management tools, and business-transition strategies for firms with $10 million to $300 million in revenue. In short, when local businesses need capital or creative problem-solving, Marcus is their first call.

Why UCP?

“I wanted to be actively involved in the University City area, knowing there’s tremendous opportunity here,” he says. Serving as Treasurer felt natural: “I gravitate to numbers and see this as a chance to help guide responsible growth.”

Philosophy in Practice

Transparency tops Marcus’s financial playbook: “We’re entrusted with community funds, so every dollar should be clearly accounted for—and deployed wisely,” he explains. He frames every balance sheet around “smart and responsible growth,” ensuring investments match long-term vision.

Goal Line for FY 2026

His benchmark for success is elegantly simple: “Let’s finish the budget year with a surplus.” That surplus, he notes, becomes fuel for future projects—from beautification to business-support programs—magnifying every resident’s and stakeholder’s investment in University City.

Career Highlight Reel

Ask what still makes him grin, and he’ll tell you about Oak Island, NC: “I financed a residential project that runs from Oak Island Drive all the way to the ocean—then financed my first bridge over the marsh.” Financing a whole block (and its bridge) is a milestone most bankers only dream about.

Life Off the Ledger

Weekends find Marcus with wife Nicole and their children, Jordan and Justin, often on the road—sometimes quite literally. His hidden talent? “I like to ride my motorcycle—a Harley Street Glide Special.” Whether cruising coastal highways or chasing the next horizon, he’s happiest near the water: “Beach over mountains, every time.”

Local Haunt & Reading List

Need a caffeine fix? Marcus recommends Vavala Café on McCullough Drive. For leadership inspiration, he swears by Executive Warfare: 10 Rules of Engagement for Winning Your War for Success—a book that echoes his competitive yet collaborative spirit.

Rapid-Fire Round

• Early Bird or Night Owl? Night owl (“up late regularly”).
• Sweet or Savory? Both—life’s too short to choose.

From financing bridges to building surpluses, Marcus Smith brings a rare blend of ambition, transparency, and community pride to University City Partners. Keep an eye on our balance sheet—you might just see his signature next to a brighter bottom line.