Thomas J. Smith, former president and chief executive officer of Farrell Lines, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of United Seamen's Service and its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. He fills the positions left vacant by the recent death of James C. Kellogg III.

Mr. Smith has a long and distinguished career in the American shipping industry. He retired from Farrell Lines last year, relinquishing his position as vice chairman of the board but remained a director. He began his career as a member of the International Longshoremen's Association. In 1942, he joined Farrell Lines as a pier superintendent. Mr. Smith rose through the ranks of the company, becoming president in 1968, chief executive officer in 1970, and vice chairman in 1979.