Michael Smith is driven to advance the art form of orchestral music to be a sustainable and integral part of modern society. In particular, he is passionate about the Charleston Symphony Orchestra becoming the benchmark for how a modern symphony serves its community through powerful performances and impactful educational programs.  Michael began his tenure with the CSO as a musician in the orchestra. He won an audition for Second Trumpet in 2006 and was later appointed to Principal Trumpet in 2009.

Following the challenges of the Great Recession, Michael believed the CSO needed Executive Leadership that matched the passion and tenacity that existed on the stage. After a national search, Smith was named Executive Director in 2013. Under his leadership, the CSO finished each year leading up to the pandemic with positive operating results and the CSO became one of the only orchestras in the United States to continue to safely perform symphonic music for live audiences without pause. On the heels of the pandemic, Smith secured a $2 million lead gift that ultimately led to the CSO’s first ever endowment campaign. Smith rallied the board, staff, and musicians together to raise more than $15 million dollars in 18 months, securing the organization’s future. Michael was named CEO of the Charleston Symphony in March 2024.