The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Janet Marie Smith was promoted from senior vice president of planning and development to executive vice president of planning and development, making her the highest-ranking woman in the organization outside of ownership.
“Janet has done a tremendous job leading our improvement projects over the last nine years, embracing every nuanced challenge and incorporating Dodger history at every turn,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“Dodger Stadium has always been the most beautiful place in the world to watch a sporting event, and now it has the modern amenities to match that beauty. From day one, our priority has been to have the best facilities in sports, and under Janet’s leadership, we’ve completely reimagined what’s possible at Dodger Stadium from a business, baseball and fan experience perspective.
“The Dodgers and our fans are fortunate to have her.”
Upon joining the Dodgers in 2012, Smith’s first order of business was a project that entailed the removal of field level seats and overhaul of that area to build new home and visiting clubhouses, batting cages and weight rooms, along with the installation of the now-iconic hexagonal HD DodgerVision boards.
Smith has since overseen construction that created entrance plazas, bar areas overlooking the bullpens, wider concourses, renovated restrooms and installation of children’s play areas throughout Dodger Stadium.
Her latest work was part of a signification renovation that reportedly was in the neighborhood of $100 million. Among other changes were the creation of a two-acre entertainment plaza in center field, installation of elevators and escalators, new “front door,” and an overhauled pavilion that will feature standing room decks and now be connected to the entire stadium.
Smith also was involved with the installation of the Jackie Robinson statue, oversized retired numbers, oversized bobbleheads, and landscaping associated with renaming a portion of Stadium Way to Vin Scully Ave.
Her work additionally extends beyond Dodger Stadium, as Smith oversaw the renovation and expansion of Campo Las Palmas in the Dominican Republic in 2017. Of course, prior to joining the Dodgers, Smith was renowned for projects with the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves.
Smith recognized by Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
A graduate of Mississippi State University, Smith was part of a six-member class for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
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