North Carolina native appointed to top security post by U.S. Senate

A North Carolina native has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security.

He is the first Black special agent to hold the position.

On Aug. 30, newly appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, Gentry Smith, greeted personnel returning from Afghanistan to Washington, D.C.

Smith, who is from Weldon and attended North Carolina State University, was a Raleigh police officer before becoming a special agent with Diplomatic Security.

"I found my niche with law enforcement," said Smith.

Smith rose up through the ranks to become the Assistant Secretary of the organization which protects Americans around the world.

"We operate in 270 different embassies and consulates around the world and over 170 countries around the world," said Smith. "We definitely have the largest law enforcement presence on a global scale."

Smith said the agency deals with everything cybersecurity to terrorism.

"You can never rest on laurels because you have to be successful all the time. The bad guys only have to be successful one time in order to get the message out there and to get that notoriety."

Smith said his time spent growing up, studying and working in North Carolina prepared him for the leadership role. It a role that Smith said he hopes will inspire others.

"Keep your focus and understand that there are no limitations to someone who is willing to step out there and chase their dreams," said Smith.

Smith has been with Diplomatic Security for 30 years now. In his new role he will oversee 50,000 employees and contractors across the globe.