Rev. Dr. Theodore “Ted” Smith was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia.  At a young age Ted transitioned from the family church – Queen Street Baptist Church to Central United Methodist Church, Hampton.  The Central Church congregation,  along with the pastoral and fatherly mentoring of the Rev. Gary Shelton,  nurtured, formed, and shaped Ted in the mold of Methodism.  Ted received a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1987.

It was at Emory University that Ted met Teresa Signer (from Monroe, Wisconsin).  In 1988, Teresa and Ted were married at the Historic Fort Monroe, Virginia.  Ted and Teresa have served as clergy in the Virginia Conference throughout their ministerial careers.  In 1994, Ted and Teresa were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Helen.  In 1996 Ted earned a Doctor of Ministry with a focus on Evangelism from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Throughout Ted’s ministry in the United Methodist Church, his goals have been to excel in leadership and service.  Ted’s passions are mission ministries, kayaking, domestic and international travel, reading, movies, collecting hand carved drums, and horseback riding. In July 2011, Ted was appointed as District Superintendent for the newly formed Fredericksburg District in the Virginia Conference.  As DS for this merged district, Ted has worked to unite members from the former Rappahannock, Alexandria and Ashland Districts to form a vibrant and enthusiastic district covering 125 miles and 75 churches.