Ron Smith

Birthplace
Toronto, Ontario

Birthdate
March 26

First Media Job
CHEX Radio & TV


Ron Smith could be heard on both CKSO AM and FM (CIGM FM) in the 1970s and early 1980s. A versatile host, Ron entertained radio audiences with contemporary music on AM and classical music on FM. He was known for his very personable and friendly manner on the airwaves fitting well into any time slot. He held various positions including Assistant Program Director to Afternoon and Morning Drives. From Sudbury, Ron was next in Brandford serving as Program Director at CKPC AM and Lite 92 FM. In late 1986 Ron headed to North Bay and Canadore College as Radio Program Coordinator which included teaching. He remained at Canadore through to the graduation of the Class of 1988.

Remaining in North Bay Ron became General Manager at CHUR later in the year, 1988. In 1990 Pelmorex purchased Mid-Canada Radio and appointed Ron as General Manager of Pelmorex Radio stations CHNO, CJMX and CFBR. In just a few months Ron became Vice President of Pelmorex Communications holding that position through to 1993.

Ron was born in Toronto, Ontario, but was raised in Windsor for a brief time and then moved to Lakefield, about a 15-minute car ride from Peterborough, Ontario. He attended Lakefield District Secondary School graduating in 1967. His post secondary education took him to Boston University where he studied broadcasting and film from 1967 to ‘71. His first job in media was not that far from home. He worked under the direction of Don O’Neil at CHEX Radio in Peterborough. This soon included side work in News and Weather on CHEX TV. He worked with Ron Johnston at CHEX and of course would work with him again at CKSO. Program Director Bill Catalano was responsible for bringing Ron Smith to Sudbury and CKSO where he would remain for several years serving in various capacities.

He would further his education in 2003 when he studied a course in business and marketing at Queen’s University and then at York University’s Schulich School of Business in 2007 where he studied marketing for return on investment.

Mr. Smith served as Chair of the United Way Centraide, Sudbury in 1992.

Ron eventually left the broadcast business. From August of 1993 until well into 2011, Ron worked in Ottawa as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) North and East Ontario. He was responsible for marketing, membership and privacy including brand management and development with strategic partners.

From July of 2011 to December of 2014, Ron served as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the CAA North and East Ontario. He continued to manage strategic opportunities and business projects aiding growth and revenue for Northern and Eastern Ontario members.

A colleague of Ron Smith once described him as a “dedicated marketing professional who is innovative and results oriented, the consummate professional, gentleman and esteemed colleague”. Ron decided to retire, making it official in December of 2014. His passion now is amateur radio. His call sign is VE3LBU. Ron resides with his wife Nancy in Ottawa. They have one son, Andrew, who lives in the region.