Smith, who declined to give his age, said Otago rugby was dear to his heart and he had been buoyed by all the people who had got involved in the past few months.
"I have seen some really good people come on to the board in the past few months who want to get back involved with Otago rugby.
I want to do what I can to help Otago rugby and I want to come back and do my bit," Smith said.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Phil and Dave [coach Phil Mooney and assistant coach David Latta] and they complement themselves really well."
Smith said he had first met the new Otago coach when Mooney was coaching the Queensland Under-19 side many years ago.
He had been approached by board chairman Wayne Graham about taking on the job and, after talking to his employer, as well as his wife Raylene and family, he had accepted the position.
Smith is the regional sports director of the Otago Secondary School Sports Association and will continue in that role.
He managed Otago and the Highlanders from 1997 to 2004 in a full-time role, and before that had been heavily involved with the union, having coached at First XV level at Otago Boys' High School, and been convener of coaching.
He had also managed the New Zealand Schools team in the early 1990s.
He moved into another role with the union in 2004 as rugby manager but left that role to go to the OSSSA in 2006.
Smith said he had fond memories of his job as manager with the Highlanders and Otago, and was looking forward to getting back involved.
"Basically I see the job as ensuring the management team and the players can get the best of themselves and play to the best they can.
We want them solely concentrating on their role on the team."
He thought players had not changed greatly over the years, and a well-disciplined team will perform both well on and off the paddock.
"I think there are still a lot of players who really want to play for Otago and the public really want the team to do well."
With Mooney in his first year as coach and Latta having come on board after some success with the Otago Country side, Smith will lend some expertise to the management team.
"At this time it is about getting some experience.
We've got Phil coming over from Australia while Dave is only in his first year.
Hopefully, I can add something and give these guys the support they need."
Mooney said Smith's experience was an asset and his knowledge of New Zealand rugby would be a big help as Otago seeks to have a good year.
The top seven sides in this year's ITM Cup will play in the premiership next year while the bottom seven will play in the championship.
Otago has finished 10th in the past two seasons.
