Candidate: Brian Spencer

Brian Spencer has served as the District 6, Pensacola City Councilman since January 2011 and was elected president of the City Council in 2016. He has the background, knowledge and experience to lead Pensacola forward, building upon the successes Pensacola has achieved over the past eight years. Brian has the depth of experience, vision, and leadership skills to build a better Pensacola for all citizens.

Brian attended Duke University where he received his undergraduate degree, Magna Cum Laude. Upon graduation, Brian attended Tulane University where he received his master’s degree in Architecture. While at Tulane, Brian was recognized with the coveted John William Lawrence Memorial Medal for Design Excellence. Following graduation, Brian returned to Pensacola to begin his architecture career.

THE EXPERIENCE TO UNDERSTAND THE JOB

As mayor, Brian won’t be “learning on the job.” While serving on the city council for the past eight years, Brian also served, or continues to serve, on the Tourist Development Council, Florida-Alabama Transportation and Planning Organization, Community Redevelopment Agency, Eastside Redevelopment Board, Community Maritime Park Board and Downtown Improvement Board, each of which have sharpened his knowledge of important issues facing our city. 

A VISION FOR PENSACOLA

Among his many accomplishments, Brian was instrumental in the design of the Admiral Mason Park and fought hard for the preservation of Bruce Beach for future quality redevelopment. He worked to ease traffic flow while enhancing the natural beauty in the design of the north landing of the future Pensacola Bay Bridge. Brian has been recognized for his development and investment along Palafox Street, which was named one of “America’s 10 Great Streets.”

A PASSION FOR THE COMMUNITY

Brian, and his wife of 24+ years, Crystal, are dedicated volunteers and champions of numerous charitable, community and civic organizations and have chaired and served on multiple boards and committees. Brian is an avid runner and marathoner, the training for which gives him the opportunity and pleasure of covering miles of Pensacola streets before 8 am each morning.

BRIAN SPENCER—GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE

·         Pensacola City Councilman, District 6, Jan. 2011-to present

·         President, Pensacola City Council, Nov. 2016-Nov. 2017

·         Downtown Improvement Board, City Council Representative

·         Escambia County Tourist Development Council

·         Florida-Alabama Transportation and Planning Organization

·         Eastside Redevelopment Board

·         Community Maritime Park Board of Trustees

·         Community Redevelopment Agency, Past Chair

·         Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Inc.

·         Gateway Review Board

·         Downtown Improvement Board, Past Chair

BRIAN SPENCER—COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Pensacola Community Music School - President of the Board of Directors
• Pensacola Museum of Art - Board of Directors
• Pensacola Pledge Scholars - Advisory Committee
• Pensacola Little Theater/Pensacola Cultural Trustee Emeritus
• Benefactor of the Mary Mathews/Bernard and Eloise Shuford Scholarship at Houser Memorial AME Zion
• Pensacola State College, Anna Society - Founding Member
• American Heart Association Northwest Florida - Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team
• Council on Aging Rat Pack Honoree
• American Cancer Society - Past Chair of the Summer Slam Tennis Tournament 
• WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast – Past Member Board of Directors
• WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast - Co-Chair, 40th Anniversary Celebration of Public Television
• American Heart Association Northwest Florida - Past Chair, Past Vice Chair
• Pensacola Little Theater/Pensacola Cultural Center - Past President of the Board of Directors
• Lakeview Center – Past Member Board of Directors

BRIAN SPENCER—AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

• American Planning Association “Great Places in America” Certificate for Development and Investment
• AIA Florida Northwest, Community Service Honor Award
• AIA Florida Northwest, Awards for Design Excellence
• Championed "Running Friendly" City designation for Pensacola
• Competitive Marathon Runner, Marine Corps Marathon 2005, 2007; Boston Marathon 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2018
• Junior Achievement of NW Florida Hall of Fame Laureate
• NAIOP NWFL Chapter Award of Merit