John N. Spencer, Cpre, CPO
About John N. Spencer, Cpre, CPO
John N. Spencer is the Recreation Division Head for the City of Ocala, Florida, with extensive experience in parks and recreation management. He has held various roles in organizations such as the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society and the Boy Scouts of America, and he has earned multiple degrees and certifications in related fields.
Work at Ocala
John N. Spencer has served as the Recreation Division Head for the City of Ocala since 2017. In this role, he oversees various recreational programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and promoting outdoor activities. He coordinates events such as the monthly After Dark in the Park movie series, which provides entertainment for residents. Additionally, he is involved in the development of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center, creating the budget and operations plan for the facility, which is set to be a significant addition to the community.
Education and Expertise
John N. Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies from Penn State University, completed between 1991 and 1996. He furthered his education with a Master of Education (MEd) in the same field from 1996 to 1998. In 2019, he completed the Joe Abrahams Academy for Leadership Excellence, enhancing his leadership skills in recreation and park management. He also obtained a certificate in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management from North Carolina State University in 2009.
Background
John N. Spencer has a diverse background in parks and recreation management, with extensive experience in various roles across Pennsylvania. He worked for the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society from 2000 to 2017, contributing to park resource management. His earlier positions include serving as a Park Ranger for the US Army Corps of Engineers and as a Supervisory Park Ranger for the County of Chester. His career spans over two decades, focusing on park operations, program coordination, and environmental conservation.
Achievements
Throughout his career, John N. Spencer has made significant contributions to park management and community recreation. He developed department-wide spreadsheets and forms that improved information collection and processing in a county-level park department. He also led the procurement process for new park and recreation software, enhancing operational efficiency. His expertise in educational and interpretive sign design has benefited county parks, and he has supervised a ranger division responsible for extensive park areas, ensuring effective management and maintenance.