Cameron Smith founded Cameron Smith & Associates in 1994. A professional recruiter who relocated from Southern California to Northwest Arkansas, Cameron quickly recognized the unique opportunity to support consumer product companies serving Walmart. His vision was clear: to build the nation’s premier executive search firm specializing in the CPG and retail sectors. And for nearly 30 years, that’s exactly what he did.

Under Cameron’s leadership, CSA grew into a respected team of national recruiters, trusted by top brands across the country. Beyond building a successful business, Cameron became a cornerstone of the Bentonville supplier community—championing innovation in technology, global trade, and higher education to benefit the companies that call Northwest Arkansas home.

At his core, Cameron was a connector. He loved introducing great people to great companies, and he found genuine joy in guiding job seekers—whether they were just starting out or making a major career change.

Cameron’s impact extended far beyond business. In 2014, he was named Business Executive of the Year by Arkansas Business. He served on numerous boards and community initiatives, always looking for ways to give back. He was instrumental in planning Cancer Challenge galas, supporting the Single Parent Scholarship Foundation in honor of his mother, and founding the Doing Business in Bentonville Speaker Series—bringing together suppliers and industry leaders for early-morning conversations that sparked ideas and built relationships. He even hosted an annual 4th of July fireworks celebration, a tradition that proudly continues in his name.

A former professional fast-pitch softball player, Cameron also led the charge to transition girls’ softball from slow-pitch to fast-pitch in Arkansas—a change that shaped the future of the sport in the state.

Cameron changed lives daily through heartfelt advice, warm encouragement, and a relentless belief in others—often offered just when it was needed most. A lifelong learner, community leader, and natural networker, Cameron left a lasting legacy defined by kindness, humor, and generosity.