About Us
Dan Smith
The newest member of the firm, Dan brings a strong background in public policy, business development and problem solving to the Arno Group. Before joining the group, he served as Vice President and General Counsel to GBIC-the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation, a regional organization focused on economic and business development in northwestern Vermont. At GBIC, he worked with regional enterprises to support their growth by facilitating access to public and private capital, workforce solutions, providing strategic assistance and coordinating access to infrastructure. In that capacity, he developed a focus on environmental and energy enterprises, as well as a strong expertise with the broader programs and policies that support economic development.
Prior to his service at GBIC, Dan built a legal practice area at the law firm of Downs Rachlin Martin, located in Burlington, which focused on government relations, land use and regulated entities. Dan provided his clients with in-depth service and innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Dan is a graduate of both the University of Virginia and the UVA School of Law. Immediately following law school, Dan returned to his native Vermont to serve as a law clerk to Justice James L. Morse of the Vermont Supreme Court. When Justice Morse stepped down to become Commissioner of Children and Families, Dan joined the legal staff of Governor Jim Douglas.
He currently chairs the Board of Directors of Mobius- The Mentoring Movement, where he mentors at Edmunds Elementary School in Burlington, Vermont. Dan maintains an active outdoors lifestyle including backcountry skiing, running, cycling and competing in multi-sport adventure races. Dan is committed to the concept of a public purpose and recently ran for Mayor of Burlington.