Before entering politics, she worked a variety of jobs, including as a hotel desk clerk, office manager for the Tundra Times, and an expeditor for construction company H. W. Blackstock.

From 1971 to 1974, she also held various positions in Alaska state government, including in the office of governor William A. Egan and in the Department of Community and Regional Affairs.

[4] Her narrow win over Jamie Parsons was partly attributed to fellow candidate Mark Farmer's withdrawal from the race.

[7] Smith was a co-chairwoman of the organizing committee for the portion of the 2002 Winter Olympics torch relay that would run through Juneau on January 24, 2002,[8] an event which was overshadowed by the unfurling of a banner by students at Juneau-Douglas High School reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus", which ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court case Morse v. Frederick.

Smith initially intended to seek reelection in 2003,[9] but later opted out of the race, instead endorsing Bruce Botelho, who would be elected mayor.