Rita Smith is a Vice President in the Business Development Group within Raymond James Investment Banking. In her role, she supports financial advisors and business owner clients through the firm's collaborative approach between the Investment Bank and Private Client Group. By leveraging an extensive network of trusted transaction professionals, including legal and accounting firms, mezzanine finance providers, private equity sponsors, and boutique investment banks, Rita helps advisors differentiate their practices and deliver additional value to their client relationships.
Prior to joining Raymond James, Rita built a strong foundation in investment banking focused on the healthcare sector. She spent two years with Piper Sandler's Healthcare Biopharma and Biotechnology Investment Banking Group in San Francisco, where she advised innovative healthcare companies on strategic and capital markets transactions. She subsequently spent two years with Truist's Healthcare Services Investment Banking Group in Atlanta, advising healthcare services organizations across a range of strategic initiatives and transaction opportunities.
Rita's leadership and analytical skills were forged through her military service and academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served for five years as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army. Following her military service, she earned an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business.
Drawing on her unique combination of military leadership, healthcare investment banking expertise, and relationship-driven business development experience, Rita is passionate about helping advisors and business owners navigate complex strategic and transaction-related opportunities.