On January 3, 2011, Edward M. Smith was elevated to Chief Executive Officer of Ullico Inc. after serving as its President since May of 2008. Ullico Inc., founded in 1927, provides insurance and financial solutions for labor unions, union employers, union benefit funds, and union members. Prior to becoming President, Smith served as Ullico Inc.’s Executive Vice President from January 2007 until May 2008.

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Before joining Ullico, Smith had a long and distinguished career at the Laborers' International Union of North America. After joining LiUNA at age 13, he was elected Business Manager of Laborer's Local 773 at age 21. Smith later became International Union Vice President and Midwest Regional Manager serving over 58,000 members. He also served as Assistant to the General President.

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Smith formerly served as Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Investment, Chairman of the National Alliance for Fair Contracting, and a member of the Illinois Department of Labor Advisory Board. He has also been a key benefactor to the Therapy Center in Carterville, Illinois which provides free services for children with disabilities.

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Smith was the first member of the Laborers International Union (LiUNA) to graduate from the National Labor College with a bachelor’s degree. Smith went on to graduate from the Harvard University Trade Union Program. He is now an active board member for Laborers’ Charitable Foundation, Laborers CARE, Jobs with Justice, America's Agenda-Healthcare for All, and serves as a trustee for the AFL-CIO Staff Retirement Plan.