Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Former ExxonMobil Senior Financial Executive

May 29, 2024 | Sarasota

Sarah Wertheimer, executive director of Embracing Our Differences (EOD), recently announced the addition of Jeff Spalter to the organization’s board of directors. Spalter served for 36 years as a senior financial executive at ExxonMobil. In addition to overseeing controllership for the global fuels and lubricants business, Spalter led the global finance inclusion and diversity team. These roles enabled him to develop extensive expertise in marketing, strategic planning, controls, and personnel development. Since retiring and relocating to Longboat Key with his wife, Joanie, in 2019, he has been actively involved in community efforts.

Wertheimer says she has seen first-hand evidence of Spalter’s desire to make a difference.

“One of the first things Jeff did when he and Joanie heard about Embracing Our Differences was ask how he could help,” she says. “Since then, he has volunteered by organizing exhibit tours in Bayfront Park, assisting with in-school programs, and serving as chair of our Ambassador Circle. He is dedicated to championing equality, respect and inclusion in our community, demonstrating that determination in everything he does.”

Wertheimer adds that Spalter’s expertise in finance, marketing, and strategic planning will be invaluable to EOD. “We’re honored to have him on our team and look forward to the insights and leadership he will bring.”

Born in New Jersey, Spalter also lived in Missouri and Connecticut before graduating from Northeastern University in Boston with a dual degree in accounting and finance.  Since retiring, he has been involved with the Martin Luther King Action Team and the Outer Cape Interfaith Justice Committee on Cape Cod, where he and his wife spend their summers. Spalter and Joanie have been married for 40 years and have two married sons and one grandson.

“The work done by Embracing Our Differences is truly wonderful and necessary—it’s rare to find an organization whose mission so closely aligns with one’s personal values,” says Spalter.  “For the past 21 years, they’ve been putting these values into action and making a tangible impact in our community. I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this amazing team driving that positive change.”

Embracing Our Differences’ board of directors includes Judge Charles E. Williams, Chair; Linda Poteat-Brown, Vice-Chair; Kaitlin Yelle, Treasurer; Richard Bergman, Secretary; and Christina de Guia, M.D., Chloe Niebuhr, Jeff Spalter, John Weber, and Sarah Wertheimer.

For more information about Embracing Our Differences, please call 941-404-5710 or visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.