Biography

Dr. D. Renee Smith serves as Chief Operating Officer of Alexis Greene Law, where she brings decades of experience spanning operations, technology, communications, and strategic growth. She is deeply committed to building organizational systems that are not only efficient and scalable, but also grounded in diversity, inclusion, and equity. Known for her steady leadership style and ability to bring clarity to complex environments, Renee plays a critical role in the firm’s growth while maintaining a deeply client-focused approach.  

Throughout her career Renee has partnered with founders and leadership teams to bring structure during periods of rapid growth and lead organizations through change with purpose. Whether launching new initiatives, addressing operational challenges, or preparing organizations for their next stage, she is a hands-on change agent who turns ambiguity into clear, actionable plans. Her approach emphasizes a deep understanding of organizational realities, alignment across diverse perspectives, and shared ownership with defined accountability—creating progress that is both sustainable and resilient.

Prior to joining Alexis Greene Law, Renee served as Director of Technology at Beacon Insurance Advisers, where she combined expertise in information technology and integrated marketing to lead digital strategy and marketing automation. In that role, she oversaw content, communications, video production, and digital platforms, with a focus on accessibility, clear communication, and the responsible use of technology.

Renee spent nearly two decades at the University of Tennessee in leadership roles supporting digital media services and online learning initiatives, while also serving as an adjunct lecturer in the College of Communication and Information. She managed campus-wide instructional video services and online course initiatives supporting a wide range of learning environments. She also designed and delivered advanced coursework in video production and media diversity, engaging students in conversations about representation and the role of media in shaping public understanding.

Earlier in her career, Renee led television and media operations in academic medical settings and worked in broadcast television and national sports media production, including projects that aired on ESPN. Across these roles, she consistently emphasized collaboration, mentorship, and equitable access to information and resources.

Renee holds a PhD in Communication and Information as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational and Intercultural Communication. At Alexis Greene Law, she applies her broad experience and values-driven leadership to strengthen operations, support the legal team, and help ensure every client is treated with dignity, respect, and care—regardless of background or circumstance.

She has presented on media technologies at a number of industry conferences including Streaming Media East, Broadcast Education Association, Syllabus, Consortium of College and University Media Centers (CCUMC), EDUCAUSE Southeast, International Association of Technological Universities, and the Tennessee Library Association. Her research interests range from streaming media and video production technologies to social media use by digital natives and minority images in the media.