Jeff was born June 23, 1967, to Garth and Marilynn Smith of Plover, Iowa. Jeff has one sister, who lives in Aurora, Colorado and one brother, who lives in Levelland, Texas.
He grew up on his family farm in Plover, Iowa and graduated from Havelock-Plover High School in 1986. Growing up on the family farm instilled responsibility and a strong work-ethic. He learned that family and strong communities are the backbone of Iowa. Following high school, he attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture in 1991. After graduation, Jeff returned to work for his family’s farming operation where he raised corn and soybeans and managed a feeder pig operation.
Jeff has been married to his wife Julie Currell, a lifelong resident of Spirit Lake, for 20 years. Together they have two children: Haley, a sophomore at Iowa State University, and Ryley, a sophomore at Spirit Lake High School. In 1994 Jeff moved to Spirit Lake. He then worked for First Bank and Trust as a farm and commercial lender and branch manager.
Jeff is a member of the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church, where he has served as the Finance Committee Chairman. He is a member and past President of the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis, a former Co-Chair of the University of Okoboji Winter Games, and a previous local director of the Midwest Youth Football League. Jeff has also served on the board of directors for the Spirit Lake Mainsail Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa Bankers Association Ag Committee, the City of Spirit Lake Zoning Board, and the Spirit Lake Youth Athletic Association. By working on these boards and committees, Jeff has developed great leadership skills. His countless hours of volunteer work in this community demonstrates his love for this area and its people.
Jeff is currently serving in his first term in the Iowa House of Representatives. Jeff serves as Vice-Chair of the Natural Resources and Local Government Committees. He also is a member of the Commerce and Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa committees as well as the Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee.
Mike May