University of North Texas 
Distinguished Speaker Series
Jimmy Smith
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of FC Dallas
Join us for the next installment of the Distinguished Speaker Series, featuring Jimmy Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of FC Dallas. Smith will discuss the impact of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on the Dallas–Fort Worth region, offering insight into how one of the world’s largest sporting events is expected to influence the area’s economy, infrastructure, and global profile. Students will gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on the business of sports and the opportunities created when a global event comes to North Texas.
Register Now
Date: April 27, 2026
Date: April 27, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: TBD
The event is FREE for all students and the general public. Please register so that we can get an accurate headcount, but you are still able to attend if you do not pre-register!
Ryan College of Business swag will be given to the first 100 students through the door. Ask your professors if you can receive extra credit for attending!
Ask your professors if you can earn extra credit for attending this event!
A former USA Today Texas Player of the Year and standout on the basketball court at
Texas A&M, Jimmy Smith now serves as chief operating and financial officer for FC
Dallas in addition to serving as chair of the Dallas Sports Commission and chair-elect
of the Visit Dallas Advisory Board. He formerly worked with Southwest Sports Group
through his job at accounting firm Arthur Anderson; in that role he worked on the
construction of the American Airlines Center, a venue for which he then served as
director of finance. At FC Dallas, Smith is leading the renovation of Toyota Stadium
and oversees operations there, at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and at MoneyGram
Soccer Park in Dallas.
About the Distinguished Speaker Series
The G. Brint Ryan College of Business Distinguished Speaker Series provides students and faculty with an opportunity to learn from prominent executives and leaders in the business community.
Each semester, a different speaker is brought to campus to offer new perspectives and first-hand information about the complexities of the business world. Past topics have included successful management styles, possible career paths, critical industry-related issues, and qualities conducive to successful business leadership.
These lectures enhance the educational experience of students in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, while inspiring them to seek new ways to meet the challenges of tomorrow.