Alumnus Nominated to Oversee Federal Agency

VALDOSTA -- President Barack Obama recently announced his intent to nominate Valdosta State University Alumnus Wendy Spencer to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The nomination currently awaits confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

If confirmed, Spencer will oversee the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages over five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America, and leads President Obama's National Call to Service initiative. Spencer currently serves as CEO of Volunteer Florida, which is the governor’s commission on volunteerism and community service. The commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and national service programs, coordinates volunteers and donations during disasters and helps strengthen and expand volunteer engagement across the state.

“Wendy sets a level of enthusiasm and commitment to community service and volunteerism that is rarely observed,” said Lt. General Bob Milligan, former chair of the Volunteer Florida. “Her dedication and leadership at both the state and national level are examples that we all would do well to attempt to emulate.”

Current Volunteer Florida Chairman Mike Andrew described Spencer as the “perfect person to work with the 70,000 organizations nationwide that use national service as a strategy” when they are unable to meet the public’s needs.

Spencer holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Speech Communications from VSU. Her list of accomplishments includes being appointed to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation 2006 and being awarded the President’s Call to Service Award in 2005. She is currently the chair of the American Association of State Service Commissions as well.

Spencer has more than 28 years of experience in volunteer organizations in both the private and public sectors. Her experience includes previously serving as director of the Florida Park Service, campaign director of the United Way of the Big Bend, director of marketing for the Macon County Chamber of Commerce and district representative for Congressman Charles Hatcher.