Chester Spellman Appointed as Director of AmeriCorps
for the Corporation for National and Community Service

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Volunteer Florida announced today that Chief Executive Officer Chester W. Spellman has been appointed by the White House to serve as Director of AmeriCorps for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

Spellman will lead AmeriCorps and its network of Governor-appointed State Service Commissions and grantee organizations. AmeriCorps, including AmeriCorps NCCC and AmeriCorps VISTA, engages 80,000 AmeriCorps members annually across the nation to solve local problems, expand economic opportunity, strengthen the nonprofit sector, and provide workforce skills and educational opportunities for those who serve.

“It has been an extraordinary honor to serve the State of Florida in Governor Scott’s administration for over six years,” said Spellman. “I believe there is no greater calling than the calling to serve.  I am deeply honored to be appointed by the White House and thrilled for the opportunity to lead AmeriCorps at the national level. National and community service changes lives every day, and I look forward to working with the team at the Corporation for National and Community Service to strengthen communities across the U.S.”

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is proud to be the home of many great volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others. I appreciate Chester’s leadership at Volunteer Florida and wish him the best of luck as he continues to build on his commitment to serving families and communities.”

Spellman was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Florida in April 2012 by Governor Scott. In this capacity, he has overseen more than $32 million annually in federal, state and local funds supporting AmeriCorps and statewide volunteer programs to meet critical needs in Florida’s communities. Spellman has also led the statewide coordination for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters in partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Additionally, Spellman has served as the Executive Director of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a nonprofit charity that serves as a direct support organization to Volunteer Florida.

Spellman has more than 15 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving at several faith-based organizations. Prior to joining Volunteer Florida, Spellman worked for Governor Rick Scott as Director of Appointments in the Executive Office of the Governor.

Spellman serves in a number of volunteer leadership roles, including as the national Chair of the American Association of State Service Commissions (ASC); as immediate past Chair for Connect Florida, a program of Leadership Florida; as a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program; and on the Tallahassee Board of Advisors for the James Madison Institute. He is a member of the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network and serves as a mentor in Tallahassee with Take Stock in Children. He is the Founder and previously served as Dean of the Awesome Foundation in Tallahassee.  In 2016, Spellman was honored by the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida with its Young Floridian Award.

Spellman and his wife Amanda will reside in the Washington, D.C. area with their three children, William, Graham and Rosalia.

Spellman’s last day as Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer will be August 25, 2017. Volunteer Florida will release details on the transition process soon.