Garnett Smith

Garnett Smith Former Advance Auto CEO Garnett E. Smith (right) of Moneta is the recipient of the 2010 William H. Ruffner Medal, Virginia Tech’s highest honor, in recognition of his support of the university. Smith went up the corporate ladder from assistant store manager in 1962 to president and COO in 1985, and in 1997 became CEO. Advance Auto Parts is the Roanoke Valley’s only Fortune 500 Company. He retired in 2000 as vice chairman of the board. Smith is a Pulaski native. In 2001, he was named one of Roanoke’s 50 Most Influential People. He has served on the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center Board of Directors as an officer for 35 years, is a former board member of United Way of Roanoke, and he has held every office, including president, in the Pulaski Jaycees.