Real estate leader Wil Smith appointed to USC Board of Trustees

USC alumnus and real estate leader Wil Smith has been appointed to the USC Board of Trustees as one of its latest members.

A 1999 alumnus of the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) program at the USC Price School of Public Policy, Smith is the founder, president and CEO of Greenlaw Partners, a commercial real estate development and operating firm based in Southern California.

Smith assumes the role of trustee after more than ten years of contributing to the university through leadership, service and philanthropy. His leadership positions encompass serving as vice chair of the USC Price Board of Councilors and as a member of the executive committee at the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate.

In 2020, his $10 million donation to USC Price established the USC Price Wilbur H. Smith III Department of Real Estate Development, providing funding for student scholarships and faculty research. In April, Smith received an Alumni Merit Award from the USC Alumni Association for his contributions to the Trojan Family.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Wil Smith,” USC Board of Trustees Chair Suzanne Nora Johnson stated. “Wil brings extensive life experience and a fresh set of diverse viewpoints to our board, both as a skilled real estate developer in Orange County and as someone raised in the rural regions of Northern California. He has been a significant supporter of USC Athletics and USC Price over many years, generously providing his time, expertise and resources.”

“I’m incredibly excited to engage and be a valuable resource for the university,” Smith shared, expressing his willingness to contribute his time, network, and knowledge as a custodian of the institution. “I will assist wherever my background and expertise align best.”

USC as a launching pad for success

Smith grew up in Stockton and obtained a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His fascination with major-market commercial real estate led him to USC Price. The MRED program equips professionals to navigate intricate systems of finance, design, and market analysis to create housing, workplaces, and centers of commerce and recreation.

During his last year in the program, Smith—who was funding his education independently—faced a shortfall in finances. He applied for and secured a student loan to cover living costs. However, before he depleted the funds, he secured his first position in real estate at a home-building firm.

“Transitioning into corporate real estate within a large market, the USC master’s made a world of difference,” Smith remarked. “It was a good opportunity, and I could have enjoyed a very comfortable life with that role. I just had a bit more ambition beyond what I was doing.”
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at that moment.”

Taking a chance, Smith utilized the balance of his student loan funds to buy a residence in the Orange County locality of Aliso Viejo. When he sold it a few years later, the earnings provided the capital needed to launch his own venture. “The USC degree instilled a great deal of confidence in me as a business owner,” Smith remarked.

Smith established Greenlaw Partners in 2003, naming the enterprise in tribute to his grandfather, Greenlaw Grupe Sr., who was recognized for his real estate development initiatives and expansive planned communities in Stockton. Smith manages the company’s acquisition, operations, and investment development/redevelopment efforts.

Under Smith’s guidance, Greenlaw Partners has executed over $10 billion in acquisitions and sales across nearly 350 commercial sites. The firm also boasts several subsidiary and affiliate companies in the property management, construction, and agriculture fields.

Giving back, from academics to athletics

Smith has been inspired to give back by assisting USC students achieve success both academically and professionally. “I strive to do everything in my power to enhance student opportunities, foster growth, and connect students to the USC Alumni Association,” he stated.

He regularly provides guest lectures in USC Price classes and advises graduate students in the real estate development program. The scholarships funded by his significant donation to USC Price are granted to students based on a combination of merit and financial necessity. Smith emphasized that this contributes to making the institution more accessible for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

“If you can support them a bit, you end up with exceptional alumni who position themselves in outstanding careers,” Smith observed.

Smith’s charitable contributions have also advanced USC faculty research, as well as USC Athletics initiatives, coaches, and student-athletes. In July, the passionate Trojan sports enthusiast will lead a seminar in business leadership that he helped develop for student-athletes.

New USC trustee: Familial connections and Trojan commitment

Smith and his wife, married for 22 years, have three sons—a 15-year-old and twin 11-year-olds—who enjoy attending Trojan football and basketball games. The family resides in Newport Beach.

A certified real estate broker, Smith is affiliated with the Young Presidents’ Organization, where he currently holds a position on the board of the Orange County Gold Chapter. He is also a founding member of the Orange County branch of Tiger 21. He serves as an independent director on boards within the real estate, agriculture, and construction sectors.

As a member of the USC Board of Trustees, Smith looks forward to applying the leadership abilities he honed in his business to influence USC’s trajectory. “I always wish to assist and support the institution and do everything I can to be an effective alum and fulfill my role,” he said.