Alvin (Al) F. Smith, Jr. is a native Washingtonian who completed his childhood education in Newark, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. He was named the Chief of Facilities and Operations in the Division of Administrative Services for the National Science Foundation in November 2024. He is responsible for leading and managing the agency’s Workplace Innovation and Property Management Operations, which include facilities management, space planning, building maintenance, renovation, records management, and disposition of real estate and personal property.
Prior to his current appointment, Al Smith was the Associate Director, Office of Facilities and Environmental Quality for the U.S. Department of Commerce; Facilities Planning and Asset Manager for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Corporate Project Manager and Industrial Engineer in the private sector in the environmental management industry; and Operations Manager and Design Engineer in the telecommunications industry. During his over 35-year professional career, Al Smith has held various project, program, and organizational management positions across multiple industries. He possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in design, engineering, business, leadership, and management, spanning both the private and public sectors.
His advanced educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia State University, as well as Master of Science and Master of Business Administration Degrees from the University of Maryland. He earned executive leadership certificates from Cornell University School of Business, Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Kennedy School of Executive Education at Harvard University.
Al Smith was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1993 at Pythagoras Lodge #9 (PHA) of Washington, DC. Al Smith served in various officer positions in the lodge as Chaplain, Steward, Master of Ceremonies, and Warden. In 2006, he held the highest elected officer position in the lodge as Worshipful Master. He served as the Secretary of Pythagoras Lodge #9 from 2007 to 2016, earning the title of Secretary Emeritus. In addition, he serves as Editor and Publisher of the lodge’s monthly newsletter (The Bee Hive) and the lodge magazine articles for the MWPHGL Masonic Digest. He also serves as Chairman of the Lodge’s Annual Spring Dinner Dance, which was the largest fundraising event for 10 consecutive years, along with serving as Chairman for various lodge committees.
Al Smith received his 32nd Degree in Masonry through Jonathan Davis Consistory #1 of Washington, DC in 2006. In 2008, he was initiated in the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine as a member of Karnak Temple #230 in Washington, DC. Since 2007, he has been an officer in the MWPHGL of Washington, DC, serving as Worshipful Assistant Grand Orator (2007), Worshipful Assistant Grand Inspector (2008), Worshipful Assistant Grand Orator (2009), Worshipful Associate Grand Secretary and Office Manager (2010), and Worshipful Grand Standard Bearer (2011 & 2012).
As Worshipful Assistant Grand Orator, he served as Master of Ceremonies for the MWPHGL Anniversary & Divine Service, Prince Hall Day, Holy St. John’s Day programs, and special speaking appearances at MWPHGL Lodge of Sorrow and Black History programs.
Since being appointed to the MWPHGL in 2007, he has served as Chairman of the Strategic Planning, Trestle Board Development, and Policies & Procedures Committees. He also served as Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Grand Master’s Ball Committee and MASTAR Special Events Committee.
Al Smith has been a member and Sir Knight of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras Youth Fraternity since 2005. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the Prince Hall Freemasonry Eastern Star Charitable Foundation and the Dean of the MWPGM Roland D. Williams Center for Masonic Excellence, College of Masonry & Leadership Academy in 2012 and 2013.
Al Smith was appointed to the Grand Lodge leadership succession as Worshipful Junior Grand Steward (2013-2014), Worshipful Senior Grand Steward (2015-2016), and Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon (2017-2018). He was elected to the Grand Lodge executive leadership succession as Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden (2019-2021), Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden (2022-2023), Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master (2024-2025), and ultimately elected to the position of Most Worshipful Grand Master in 2026.
Al Smith’s hobbies include golfing, traveling, swimming, dining, dancing, theatre, and listening to music. He and his wife reside in Hughesville, Maryland, and they have two daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren.