Looking Back on a “Great Run”

VDA CEO M. Wade Smith retires after a successful 28-year tenure.

submitted by VDA

M. Wade Smith, the much-loved and well-respected CEO of East Hanover, New Jersey-headquartered vertical-transportation (VT) consultancy VDA^®, is stepping aside from the firm’s day-to-day operations to assume his new role as chairman of the board after a 28-year tenure. Smith began his career in the VT industry in 1980 with Otis, holding several positions during his 11 years there. He transitioned into consulting in 1991, working for Lerch Bates Associates as lead consultant on the original World Trade Center (WTC) project.

Due to its size, the original WTC project was a joint venture with John Van Deusen & Associates (now VDA) and Lerch Bates. Smith joined Van Deusen & Associates in 1994. In 2005, he and his three partners approached John Van Deusen about acquiring the company. Over the next five years, they helped establish a national presence for VDA. In 2010, Smith and his partners took over ownership of VDA, and continued to expand the company’s construction, modernization and inspection services to all major markets across the U.S. Under Smith’s leadership, VDA grew from 45 employees to more than 225 professionals with more than 35 locations nationwide.

In 2021, VDA entered into a partnership with Keystone Capital, allowing the VT consulting firm to continue expanding its industry expertise.

Although Smith is moving away from his daily responsibilities, he will continue steering VDA as chairman of the board. He will also head up VDA’s Key Account group, responsible for its continued growth. Smith said: 

“I’ve had a great run, and it’s all because of our people — VDA’s biggest strength. I’m happy to have also surrounded myself with trusted advisors, my ‘A-Team’ that includes my little brother, Kevin; mentor, Bo Hish; VDA’s former accountant, Alan Bordogna; and former Rutgers great and NFL tight end Marco Battaglia. The sky is the limit, and the VDA of the future is right around the corner.

“Over the years, my daughters, Sara and Tracy, have been extremely supportive as I traveled around the country on business for VDA. So, now I will have more quality time to spend with them and be a ‘Pop Pop’ to my grandchildren, Molly and Paddy.”

The sky is the limit, and the VDA of the future is right around the corner.

— VDA Chairman of the Board M. Wade Smith

VDA thanks Smith for his strong leadership and tireless dedication through the years and looks forward to what the future holds as he assumes his new role as chairman of the board.