Class of 1989 | Greenfield-Central High School
Love of community drives David Spencer. Commended for his long list of community involvements, that dedication becomes evident as his impact is seen in many different avenues of Hancock County life.
David’s educational career began at Riley Elementary School where he was influenced by great educators that fostered his love of learning. While a student at Greenfield-Central High School, David excelled in academics, arts, and athletics. He played men’s tennis, and he managed the women’s tennis team and the boys’ basketball team. He participated in pop swing choir, student council, and theater, where he won the Best New Actor Award. David graduated in 1989.
David then attended Purdue University, graduating in 1993 earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. While at Purdue he was president of his residence hall for three years and a Purdue Student Government Senator for one. He was also a member of the Purdue Sailing Club.
Eager to return to his roots, David notes, “I never wanted to leave Greenfield. I was excited to move back to my hometown after attending Purdue University because I just loved it here. The people and the community make it a really special place.” Upon his arrival, he quickly became involved in the community. As an avid tennis player, it was an easy transition for David to coach the sport he loved at his alma mater. He coached the Cougar women’s team from 2003-2013 and the men’s team from 2006-2009. As a coach, he won the 2007 Women’s Hancock County tennis title and the 2007 Men’s IHSAA Sectional tennis title. In 2009, he established the Greenfield Central Junior High Tennis program, which continues to this day. He retired as G-C’s all-time winningest coach in women’s tennis history and set numerous other coaching records along the way. In 2019, David was inducted into the Greenfield-Central Athletic Hall of Fame.
Community has driven David in the workplace as well. He is currently the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for NineStar Connect. Initially hired by Hancock Telecom in 2004 prior to the merger of Hancock Telecom and Central Indiana Power, David led the process of rebranding the company into NineStar Connect. For his excellent work transitioning the company through this process, he was awarded the prestigious Marketing Achievement Award from the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) in 2011.
The connection between community and career sparked G-CHS’s longtime radio and television teacher, William McKenna who has since retired, to nominate David for the Greenfield-Central Hall of Fame. “David was instrumental in getting the G-C radio and TV program associated with NineStar and lifting the program to levels it wouldn’t have if he hadn’t got involved,” said William. As NineStar’s Director of Marketing, David was instrumental in partnering with Greenfield-Central’s radio and television programs and saving the program when previous funding was withdrawn. This partnership, which started in 2013, continues to thrive.
David’s commitment to the community is demonstrated by the many boards and commissions he has contributed to since his return to Greenfield after college. He has served on the City of Greenfield Advisory Plan Commission since 1996 while serving five mayors from different political parties. Known as a consensus builder and forward thinker, he always puts what’s best for those he serves at the forefront. These skills have enabled him to lead many community organizations over time such as Greenfield Sertoma, Meals on Wheels of Hancock County, Greenfield Kiwanis, Set a Good Example Foundation (now Greenfield Central School Foundation), and the Greater Greenfield Chamber of Commerce. David is currently Vice-President of the Hancock Economic Development Council and a board member with the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Additional memberships include Sons of the American Revolution, Society of Indiana Pioneers, John Purdue Club, Purdue President’s Council, Riley Old Home Society, Greenfield Elks, and Bradley United Methodist Church. David’s dedication to the community often results in people reaching out to him for guidance and leadership.
David is also a passionate and serious art collector who has amassed the largest known Will Vawter art collection. He was instrumental in writing the application and working with the State of Indiana to have a Will Vawter historical marker located in downtown Greenfield. He also developed the idea and chaired the committee which raised funds and commissioned the life-sized bronze statue of the famed Hoosier artist located in Depot Street Park. This project is a testament to David’s ability to build community while paying homage to the history of Greenfield.
David has one daughter, Avery Spencer, who was the 2019 Riley Festival Queen, a 2020 graduate of Greenfield-Central High School and a 2024 graduate of Purdue University.
Thank you, David, for your commitment. Congratulations!