Jim Smith was unanimously elected the fifth president of USA Hockey during the organization's Board of Directors four-day annual congress in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Smith, who has served as part of USA Hockey's executive committee the past 20 years, succeeds Ron DeGregorio, who retired last week after 12 years as president.

"I'm honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as president of such a wonderful organization," Smith told USAHockey.com. "To follow in the footsteps of Walter Bush and Ron DeGregorio is a difficult task, but with the help of our board and everyone involved, I look forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation that is currently in place."

Smith, of Mount Prospect, Ill., will also serve as president of the USA Hockey Foundation. Smith has been involved in nearly every facet of USA Hockey the past 30 years, including 28 years as a member of the youth council.