Christopher Spencer
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
Alabama State University Board of Trustee member, Christopher Spencer, has been selected to be the new CEO and president of the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF), headquartered in Selma, Alabama.
Spencer currently serves as the BBCF's chief community engagement officer and will step into his new role beginning on September 30. He will be only the second leader of the organization since its creation, succeeding founder Felecia Lucky who led BBCF for 21 years.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Trustee Spencer has an exemplary record of service, both to the Black Belt community and to the nation as a member of the United States Army. He served in combat during Operation Desert Storm. During his deployment, Spencer was awarded the highly acclaimed General Douglas McArthur Leadership Award.
A native of Bellamy, Alabama, he serves as the pastor of the St. Matthew-Weston Missionary Baptist Church of Boligee. He has a background in education and government, having worked at the Sumter County Board of Education and with the University of Alabama. Spencer also served as the vice chairman of the Sumter County Commission.
Spencer discussed the Black Belt Community Foundation and his plans as its soon-to-be leader. He noted since its creation, BBCF has deployed nearly $100 million into the Black Belt area and has formed partnerships with some of the nation's leading philanthropic and academic institutions.
"The strength of this organization is its people...I don't know of another community foundation that works the way we work — guided by the voice of the people in our community," stated Spencer. "As I move into this role, we're going to continue to nurture the seed that's been planted so we can continue to support and empower the Black Belt."
ABOUT THE BLACK BELT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Black Belt Community Foundation serves 12 counties of the Alabama Black Belt. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region through education, the arts, economic development, housing, health and wellness, and community engagement. Since its founding, the BBCF has awarded millions in grants and scholarships to support local initiatives and empower future leaders.