Okaloosa County BOCC — April 27, 2013 — Walter Spence - Bio — reading text

Biographical Sketch Walter F. Spence Born in 1926 on Rocky Bayou, he graduated from Niceville High School in 1944, then studied pre- engineering, mathematics, physics and chemistry at Tulane from 1946-1950, and took advanced courses in probability theory, sampling and statistics at the University of Florida. He went on to study infrared radiation physics and its applications at MIT. In 1950 he was employed as a civilian engineer by the Air Force at Eglin in the Physical Science Division and the Target Development Branch. In 1963 he joined defense contractor, Hayes International Corp., in Birmingham, AL where he became Corporate Director of Plans and Assistant to the Executive Vice-President. Mr. Spence returned to the Gulf Coast in 1973 to found Spence Brothers Properties, Inc., a family owned commercial real estate holding company, of which he is still President. He also helped operate Spence Bros. Fish Co. and Spence Bros. Ice Co. during the 1970's and 80's, and owned a trucking company, Southern Express. He continues to work in defense contracting as an active consultant; first for Sperry, and more recently for Honeywell. Community service/involvement includes: • President of the Niceville/Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce in 1975 and 1976. • Original organizer of the Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival, which facilitated the relationship between the 33rd FW Nomads resulting in substantial fund raising results for Nomad Association. • Devoted considerable attention to economic development, transportation, and environmental issues in N/W Fla. • Served as Chairman of Okaloosa County's Overall Development Plan (OEDP). • Was appointed by Gov. Graham, in 1984, to the Regional 380 Committee, the group that formulated the basis for every comprehensive plan now in place with local governments in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. • Spearheaded the effort to fund the comprehensive environmental studies of Choctawhatchee Bay. • Was the driving force behind the establishment of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority, and served two terms as its Treasurer. • Served on the Boards of both the NW FL Water Management District and the NW Fl Regional Planning Council. • Appointed by Gov. Martinez in 1989 to the Governor's Commission of the Future of Florida's Environment. • Assisted in crafting the initiative creating the Florida Forever Program to preserve environmentally important Florida habitat. • Serves as Vice President for Development of the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation • Is a member of the Okaloosa-Walton Metropolitan Planning Organization • Is a member of the Okaloosa County's Defense Support Initiative group. • Has received numerous promotions, commendations and awards.