About Brian

Brian Serves as the 21st Hardin County Clerk, having been elected November 2022 and sworn into office January 2023. During his first year in office Brian implemented changes that have improved and expanded service. He has added additional polling locations to ensure free and equal access to elections, as guaranteed by Kentucky's Constitution. Under Brian's leadership Hardin County became the first Co-ops Vote County in Kentucky promoting voter participation in our rural communities.

Brian also has improved services by opening a branch office in Radcliff for vehicle registration. This office was more than a fulfillment of a campaign promise, it brought expanded service to northern Hardin County.

He also held mock elections and student council elections in local schools to promote civics education. In 2024, Brian received the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Government Award. He has twice been elected as 4th District Highway Representative by his fellow clerks.

Brian's prior work experience includes serving fourteen years as Director of Economic Development for Congressman Brett Guthrie. Brian's duties included handling of all community and economic development issues, small business assistance, disaster recovery, and grant work for the entire second district. He also served as the liaison to Fort Knox, working with both the military and civilian leadership.

Brian was Brett Guthrie's Campaign Manager for the 2008 election. He also served for four years in Governor Fletcher's administration as Director of Field Services, where he led the Governor's statewide constituent outreach program. Prior to his stint working for the Commonwealth, he worked for nine years in various roles for Congressman Ron Lewis.

Brian is married to the former Brianne Bateman. They have four children, Reagan (24), Tanner (23), Jonah (22), and Everett (10). Brian is an avid runner, having completed 5 marathons and over 35 half-marathons. He is a lifetime member of the Western Kentucky University Alumni Association and a WKU Alumni Ambassador. Brian is also a member of the Elizabethtown Noon Rotary Club and the Fort Knox chapter of the Association of the US Army. The Smith family is proud to call Hardin County their home.