D.J. Smith, President & Founder
Capital Idea Ventures, Inc.

Recognized as an innovator in developing successful Internet projects for the U.S. Congress, consumers, and corporations, D.J. Smith brings clients a keen understanding of the powerful communications potential of technology. He founded Capital Idea Ventures after leaving Voter.com where he was the Director of Product Management. In this capacity, he led sales, editorial and engineering teams that defined and built critical components of the nation's leading political online brand for the 2000 election cycle.

Prior to joining Voter, Smith was Senior Vice President, Internet Services Group for Democracy Data (DDC) & Burson Direct (a division of Burson-Marsteller) -- launching a new line of services and products. Smith provided strategic advice on public affairs Internet strategies and products to a host of Fortune 500, association and non-profit clients including: Johnson & Johnson, Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), the Billion Byte March and American Airlines.

Smith also led the development of a series of application service provider (ASP) and custom web-based offerings now used by more than 100 corporate and non-profit clients. Spearheading business development efforts for the division, Smith represented DDC at Red Herring NDA in Carlsbad, California, as well as other trade forums and expositions.

During his tenure as Director of Technology & Communications Development for the Offices of the House Speaker and Majority Leader, Smith created and implemented a comprehensive Internet strategy for U.S. House of Representatives Leadership. The plan included innovative websites that garnered numerous awards, media acclaim, and wide readership. Smith's websites attracted positive media attention from ABC World News Tonight, Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, US News & World Report, and The New York Times.

Smith's skill in translating innovative technology into powerful communication assets resulted in the House Leadership's dominance in their use of the Internet to effectively drive message on key legislative issues. His sites include a number of key Internet "firsts" in Congress. Smith also oversaw the first Congressional site to use online polling with live result tabulation and interactive questionnaires.

Smith worked with Library of Congress staff on the development of the THOMAS system (thomas.loc.gov) and putting House votes online. He also evangelized Members of Congress on the importance of the Internet's role to communications by hosting a series of seminars for key staff entitled "Communicating the Web."

Smith has spoken extensively on digital communications for a wide range of companies, organizations and groups. He has worked with international leaders representing governments from Europe, Latin America, and Asia (including the World Economic Forum) as well as leading technology executives to explore ways government can use the Internet and technology to improve productivity and communication.