Laura L. Smith Human Resources & Benefits Manager

Peoria, IL
309-685-0033

Experience

Throughout my career, I have worked in various roles with a common passion for supporting others, particularly as they navigate their professional journeys. I bring valuable experience in talent recruitment and retention, collaborative operations, and program coordination to the DVI team, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s exciting growth.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Greenville College

Tell us about your career experiences and what led you to DVI?

My diverse experiences in human resources, operations, and client services have enriched my understanding of various employee perspectives. I was attracted to DVI by its founding story—a firm established by passionate individuals committed to their values and clients' best interests. It's inspiring to be part of an organization that continues to grow while maintaining its core purpose.

What is your favorite thing about DVI?

During my interview process, someone mentioned that at DVI, "we mean what we say" when it comes to culture, and that really resonated with me. Many companies advertise their culture or "talk the talk," but there's often little evidence of it in day-to-day operations. At DVI, I see tangible proof of the shared values and culture every day, and that has been incredibly valuable to me.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My husband and I have three children and a big dog, so there's never a dull moment at home! We're a travel hockey family, spending most weekends either at the ice rink or on the way to one. I take great pride in being a "hockey mom" and proudly own a cowbell to ensure my kids can hear me cheering through the glass!

There’s a Team Behind Every DVI Team Member

DVI is not one person. Our clients come to understand that although they may interact with particular team members more than others, there is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals hard at work for them, collaborating each and every day on their behalf.

Meet the Team

Fiduciary from the Start

Our founder, David Vaughan, created DVI over 45 years ago with an instinctive fiduciary mindset. He wanted to help his neighbors and community members grow and protect the financial success they had achieved in their lives. By building trust, he built a business that has grown in size and services. Today, we carry David's legacy forward with more comprehensive offerings to serve the ever-changing needs of our clients in Central IL and Central FL.

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