Bernal Smith began his career in 1972 with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, where he has served as a Program Director, Club Director, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. He was a member of the Memphis team of professionals that made substantial contributions to the original Commitment to Quality manual, the resource that is now used as a model for all Boys & Girls Club organizations.

Bernal served on the Southeast Training and Professional Development Advisory Committee for many years. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his professional career, including the Southeast Region's 2000 Professional of the Year Award and the Southeast Region's Herman S. Prescott Award. Throughout his career, Bernal Smith has demonstrated outstanding leadership while positively influencing the lives of thousands of boys and girls.