The Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer lays out his life in print
New book by the Board of Pensions president shares his path to success in life and work
PHILADELPHIA — The Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer shares the experiences of a life that reflects wholeness in his newly released book, “The Secrets of Success: How to Build a Great Career and Live a Happy Life.”
Through storytelling, Spencer offers insights for those beginning their professional journeys as he explores the integration of family and career and the role of commitment, compassion and curiosity in lifelong fulfillment.
Spencer, the president of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has led both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Before joining the Board of Pensions staff in 2014, he served as President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, North Carolina. Previously, he had spent 15 years in health care real estate with Cogdell Spencer Inc., rising to CEO when the company went public in 2005.
After hearing more than once, “you ought to write that down,” Spencer took up the challenge to lay out an extraordinary life in print. Young people starting out on careers or looking to change careers have sought him out for advice. He saw value in a book like this for them and their parents as well.
“As I looked back on my experiences in both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds, I started to see that three principles are the foundation for success in life: commitment, compassion and curiosity,” Spencer said.
His book looks at his development as a leader, the challenges he faced, and the importance of strong relationships in all aspects of life. The most important of these is with his wife of 42 years, Dr. Melanie Davis Spencer, an accomplished writer with a successful career history as diverse as his.
Together, Frank and Melanie Spencer, who met as undergraduates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have raised two successful adults and served community and church while continuing professional pursuits. He, an ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament, holds a master’s and doctorate in ministry; she, a master’s in business administration and a doctorate in bioinformatics and genomics. Each has stepped into the role of primary breadwinner when needed to support their partner’s advancement. Neither one could have achieved what they have without the other, Spencer writes.
The author acknowledges that “no life is without ups and downs.” Still, Spencer holds that the principles of commitment, compassion and curiosity are universal and adaptable to individual contexts.
“Everyone can build a life of meaning and happiness,” Spencer writes. “Whether you are still in school, early in your career, or guiding your own children, these principles will serve you well.”
For more information on “The Secrets of Success: How to Build a Great Career and Live a Happy Life,” visit Spencer’s website. To hear an interview with Spencer, visit the Entrepreneur to Author Podcast. For questions, contact Laurie Cato, Director, Agency Communications.
The Board of Pensions is an agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA), the Board provides a broad range of benefits and programs to PC(USA) congregations, agencies, and mid councils as well as affiliate employers — including educational institutions, camps and conference centers, retirement and senior housing communities, and human services organizations.
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