UA Little Rock Unveils Portrait of Rotary Professional and Business Leader of the Year Elizabeth Smiley Glasbrenner
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Little Rock (Club 99), honored Elizabeth Smiley Glasbrenner as the 2024 recipient of Rotary’s Business and Professional Leader of the Year Award.
To commemorate her achievements, a portrait of Glasbrenner, co-founder, president, and CEO of Smiley Technologies, Inc., was unveiled in the Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development, celebrating her exemplary leadership and contributions to the business community.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award from Rotary and to stand here among so many esteemed colleagues and friends,” Glasbrenner said. “My journey has been one of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving others, and I am grateful for the support I’ve received along the way. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has been a part of my life and my career.”
Glasbrenner’s father, Walter Smiley, also received the prestigious award in 1989 for his role as founder of Systematics, Inc., one of the state’s first technology-based corporations. Smiley and Glasbrenner are the first father-daughter duo to be awarded the Business and Professional Leader of the Year Award.
“The Rotary Business and Professional Leader of the Year Award represents the best of what our community has to offer – leaders who are not only successful in their field, but also committed to making a difference in the lives of others,” UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said. “Elizabeth Glasbrenner is one such leader.”
Building on their father’s success in the financial technology business, Glasbrenner and her brother founded Smiley Technologies in 2002 after seeing a need for better customer service and continuing innovation in the core banking industry.
Her tenure as president and CEO since 2015 has propelled the company to significant growth, earning it national recognition. In 2021, Glasbrenner was the only person from Arkansas to be selected to the first class of Forbes Next 1000, highlighting her as one of the most promising entrepreneurs in the country.
“Today, Elizabeth’s company is a thriving, successful industry partner to a growing number of financial institutions and community banks,” Drale said. “People choose Smiley Technologies because they invest in relationships, they invest in innovation, and they invest in their community. This is the Elizabeth Glasbrenner legacy and why we are honored to recognize her.”
Immediate Past President of Rotary Club of Little Rock Natalie Ghidotti recognized Glasbrenner as an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to the community.
“Rotary’s Business and Professional Leader of the Year Committee really thought Elizabeth’s story of how she has grown Smiley Technologies, all while investing in the community and caring for her family has made her an exceptional leader,” Ghidotti said.
Glasbrenner is married to a world-class athlete and motivational speaker, Jeff Glasbrenner. They have two children, Grace and Gavin. Glasbrenner serves as the president of the Board of Directors of Camp Aldersgate.
“Elizabeth is our volunteer leader and helps us lead governance, strategy, and oversees fiduciary strategy on behalf of our board,” said Sonya Murphy, CEO of Camp Aldersgate. “Elizabeth has a very unique pairing of skills. She helps bring out the best in people, both in their skills and their attitude in life.”
After the ceremony, Glasbrenner shared her knowledge with students from the School of Business. Dr. April Sledge, assistant professor of management, welcomed Glasbrenner to share her insights with her entrepreneurship class.
“Elizabeth captivated entrepreneurs students with her inspiring journey, demonstrating how a single idea can evolve into something monumental,” Sledge said. “She showed the key lessons she learned in her journey thus far, giving great insight to the good and bad of owning a business. The students commented on the real-world perspective she brought to the classroom, connecting so many of the concepts taught in class. She was a prime example of her achievement, Rotary Business and Leader of the Year!”
