George Leo Smith, TOF, is a co-founder of Chesterton Academy of St. Padre Pio. He spent more than two decades working in the fine arts as well as private and nonprofit sectors, before moving into public service as the chief director of operations for the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections. George holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts, a Masters in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and an Masters in Public Administration from the University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs. Prior to his experience in local government, George served as director of youth and young adult outreach for the Diocese of Venice, a position which afforded him unique insight into the spiritual needs of young people. He started the Diocesan Youth Rally and Theology on Tap, and organized diocesan mission trips and retreats. He led national and international trips such as the March for Life in D.C. and World Youth Day during his eight years of service to the Diocese. George is currently in his second year of formation for the diocesan Diaconate Program and is a Third Order Franciscan of the Immaculate Conception Province.