Wilson W. Smith III is a Design Director at Nike, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon. He is a graduate from the University of Oregon, School of Architecture in 1980 and had worked in the field of Architecture until being hired by Nike in 1983 as the Corporate Interior Designer. Initially, he designed showrooms, stores and offices, as well as various graphic publications. In 1987, he made the jump to Product Design in footwear and some apparel. At that time, the footwear industry in the U.S. began to expand both in technology and style. Becoming a Senior Designer in 1990, Mr. Smith had been involved primarily with the concepts of Nike's Cross Training and Basketball products. Establishing the design direction for Tennis footwear throughout the 90's, he created many athlete-endorsed products including Andre Agassi's signature line. In 1997, he became the first dedicated Senior Footwear Designer for Brand Jordan, and eventually inspired by, and collaborating with Michael Jordan, he created the industry leading Air Jordan 16 & 17. Fall of 2003, Wilson became the Creative Director of Nike Court, which includes all tennis & racquet driven footwear, with lead design direction for Nike endorsee Serena Williams and world #1 Roger Federer. A recent recognition, Black Enterprise Magazine named Wilson one of America's Top Black Designers.

Wilson is also the music minister of South Lake Foursquare Church, Lake Oswego, Oregon.

From: http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/event-detail?eid=14179477

See also: http://kicksology.net/index_smith.html