“Since transition, Commander Spann has been helping with issues related to Duval County's military and veteran communities. This work was done while he has also served the administration in media relations and public affairs.  The addition of a team member with years of local media relations experience means Bill can now be solely focused where his passion and professional experience will best serve Jacksonville.  His background in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. allows him to collaborate with House and Senate members, staffs, and agencies at the state and federal level,” said Curry.  “The result is that Jacksonville's active duty military, Guard and Reserve, veterans, and military families have a strong advocate working for them in the Mayor's office.”
 
“With an experienced communicator like Marsha Oliver on the team, my administration continues to provide Jacksonville the best possible talent with the highest possible return on investment,” said Mayor Curry.  “Marsha is one of the finest communications professionals in the City of Jacksonville, and the experience she brings from her DCPS experience will serve our citizens well.”
 

About Bill Spann

Commander Spann currently serves as Director of Public Affairs for Mayor Lenny Curry.  Bill retired from the United States Navy in May of 2003 having earned the rank of Commander.  His final duty station was as the Director of Communications for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 
 
While at the Academy, he also taught Ethics and Moral Decision Making for the Junior Officer.  Most recently, he served on the Lenny Curry for Mayor Campaign as Staff Director for the Beaches Area Campaign Headquarters; as Vice President of Procurement for a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); and as President and Chief Executive Officer for the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association where he lobbied monthly on Capitol Hill. 
 
He served as Chief of Staff at the Florida Office of Financial Regulation; as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida, and as a member of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive leadership team as Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF). 
 
Commander Spann’s 20 year Navy career began in Jacksonville 31 years ago on the Mayport-based frigate USS FLATLEY (FFG 21).  His served for three years on FLATLEY, and then was hand-selected to serve as a “Plankowner” Crewmember of USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), the first Atlantic Fleet Aegis Cruiser equipped with the Vertical Launch Missile System (VLS).  MOBILE BAY was also stationed in Mayport.  Spann also served on Commander U.S. Second Fleet Staff embarked in USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20).  His ashore commands included a language-coded political-military assignment in Japan, an aviation support tour in Naples, Italy at Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean as well as tours at the United States Naval Academy, the Pentagon, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Defense Language Institute.
 
His awards include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service medals and decorations.  He has been married to Judi Skelton Spann for 26 years.  The have two adult children, Dylan a recent graduate of Flagler College and Kirstin, a First Class Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. He also serves as a Duval County Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and on the GAL Board of Directors.
 
Spann’s salary in this new role will be $115,000.
 
Commander Spann’s appointment is subject to City Council approval.
 

About Marsha Oliver

Marsha G. Oliver, MBA, has spent more than 20 years helping to advance the communications and marketing goals of numerous corporate, non-profit, educational, and philanthropic organizations throughout the region. Prior to being named Assistant Superintendent, Communications for Duval County Public Schools, Oliver served as President of O. Communications, LLC, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based public relations firm specializing in strategic marketing communications services benefiting a number of organizations including The Chartrand Foundation, Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition, March of Dimes (Florida), Museum of Science & History (Race: Are We So Different?), and others.
 
Oliver’s credentials, leadership experiences, and creative talent have earned her numerous awards and recognitions including designation as a 2015 Women of Color Cultural Foundation Outstanding Education Leader; 2014 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council; Business Journal Up and Comer (2003); Super Bowl XXXIX Host Committee Program Chair; Chair, Mayor Peyton’s Community Services Transition team; and a Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Group Study Exchange team delegate representing Northeast Florida in South Africa.
 
Oliver gained her exemplary skills and talent while serving in marketing communications capacities with leading corporations including Hershey Foods Corporation (Hershey, Pa.), where she led and supported international marketing launches, product, promotions, sponsorships, community and public relations programs, and special events. Following a four-year career in Hershey, Pa., Oliver returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, where she worked as an account manager for advertising and public relations firm leader the William Cook Agency, CSX Corporation subsidiary, Adjunct Professor at Edward Waters College, and television co-host of a local news entertainment television show (The Buzz, WJXT TV4). In addition, Oliver serves as a columnist for the Jacksonville Free Press.
 
Oliver earned a BA in Public Relations (cum laude) from Florida A&M University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, where she was chosen to serve as the 2001 Graduate Commencement Speaker. Oliver is as equally committed to her community, as evidenced by her memberships on a number of nonprofit boards and organizations including the Women’s Giving Alliance (Steering Committee); Leadership Jacksonville (2001); Eartha M.M. White Legacy Board; Volunteers in Medicine Board of Directors; Community Hospice Board of Directors; Jack & Jill of America, Inc.; the Bold City Chapter of the Links, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and others. In addition, Oliver is a certified Community Coach, designated by the Nonprofit Center (Community Foundation of Jacksonville).
 
An avid runner, Oliver enjoys reading, riding her Vespa, and advancing the educational and recreational interests of her 17-year-old son, Joel.
 
Oliver’s salary in this new role will be $150,000.