About

Sue Smith, Principal

Meet Sue Smith — The Spark Behind the Synergy

Sue Smith is the operational partner every growing business needs—strategic, steady, and always one step ahead. With over 25 years of experience across finance, HR, and operations, she brings executive-level insight and a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset to every challenge. She’s worked across sectors—supporting Fortune 500 companies, agile small businesses, and public agencies—navigating the complexities of both government and private industry.

Think of her as your fractional COO meets CFO with a human touch—the person who sees around corners, connects the dots, and builds the infrastructure that keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it’s tightening financial controls, aligning people strategy, or streamlining operations, Sue helps leaders focus on growth while she handles the foundation.

She’s been the steady hand behind the numbers, the trusted voice in HR, and the engine that keeps operations compliant, resilient, ready to scale, and running like clockwork.

But Sue’s expertise goes beyond spreadsheets and strategy—it’s rooted in people. For over 20 years, she’s led human resources with a rare blend of precision and empathy, managing everything from payroll and benefits to employee relations, retirement plans, and labor law compliance. Her people-first leadership and operational excellence even earned her formal recognition from the U.S. Army for outstanding performance.

Sue’s qualifications are as impressive as her track record. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) with a focus in Accounting, and is a Certified Bookkeeper. Her credentials from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) cover every corner of smart financial management: inventory, depreciation, payroll, internal controls, and fraud prevention. She’s also an approved candidate for the Uniform CPA Examination by the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy—a testament to her lifelong pursuit of mastery.

An inspiring speaker and skilled communicator, Sue shines in both public and impromptu settings. She’s a dedicated advocate for small business owners, volunteers with multiple 501(c)(3) organizations and advisory boards, and has even spent time shaping young minds in primary education. She’s a proud member of the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

And just when you think you’ve got Sue figured out—think again.

This “by-the-book” expert holds a Maryland Class M motorcycle endorsement and has a passion for adventure. Jet skiing the Atlantic, snorkeling in the Caribbean, zip lining through the Great Smoky Mountains—if there’s sun and water, she’s there. A lover of wild places and wide-open skies, Sue spends her free time exploring national and state parks. While the mountains inspire her, it’s the coastal South that calls her home. Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina, with its storied Atalaya Castle, and the untamed beauty of Southern Assateague Island National Seashore, speak directly to her soul.

After years in the corporate world, Sue returned to her roots—rural Western Maryland—where she first saw the grit and grind of business life. Today, she channels that early experience, her deep knowledge, and her heart for service into helping small businesses not just survive, but thrive.

Smart numbers. Strong teams. Sustainable success. That’s Sue’s mission—and she’s all in.

Education

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
Business Management, Accounting
Strayer University
Washington, DC - Magna Cum Laude

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)
Business Management, Accounting
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown, MD

Accreditations

CERTIFIED BOOKKEEPER (CB)
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Rockville, MD
Certificate # 04575

MARYLAND BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
Approved Candidate for the Uniform CPA Examination
Baltimore, MD
Jurisdiction ID # 19931

NOTARY PUBLIC - State of Maryland
Washington County
Commission expires January 3, 2027