In Memoriam: Frederick W. Smith

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2025: CSIS President and CEO John J. Hamre today released the following statement on the passing of Frederick W. Smith: 

“The CSIS Board of Trustees and staff mourn the untimely death of trustee Fred Smith. Fred was an iconic business leader, having created the pioneering FedEx company. Indeed, Fred invented an industry. For this he is famous. But Fred Smith also devoted himself to improving U.S. public policy. Fred co-chaired a major trade policy study at CSIS that still represents the most comprehensive and bipartisan solution to improving trade. He never shied away from offering his strong and constructive recommendations to government officials, irrespective of political party affiliation. He was a giant and a true American patriot. We mourn his passing but celebrate his remarkable life.”