Spencer began his coffee career in 1994 as a Barista/Café Manager and first roasted coffee in 1995. He has dedicated his career to creating coffee quality and is recognized throughout the coffee industry as a passionate and enthusiastic specialty coffee professional. He is a pioneer for roaster certification and an advocate for coffee industry education. His management experience includes product development, quality assurance and quality control, supply chain, retail marketing, and menu development.

Spencer is an active volunteer in the coffee industry, recently serving the Specialty Coffee Association on the Research Center’s Advisory Council and Chair of the Standards Committee. He is a member of Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee of the National Coffee Association, a member of the E18.06 Sensory Evaluation: Food & Beverage Committee for the American Society of Testing & Materials, on the Specialty Coffee Arbitration Panel for the Green Coffee Association, and an Ambassador for the International Women’s Coffee Alliance.

As a founding member of the Roasters Guild, Spencer served on the first Executive Council and led the creation of the Roaster Certification Program.

A respected writer and technical editor, Spencer is a member of the Editorial Advisory Boards for both ROAST Magazine and Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. He is regular reference source and an industry “insider” for the news media and academic researchers.

Spencer is an experienced coffee competition judge including Cup of Excellence, United States Barista Championship, SCAA Coffee of The Year, SCAA Best New Product, and the first CQI Q Auction.

Spencer is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University, earning degrees in Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management. He is a Licensed Q Grader and certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America as a Lead Instructor, Golden Cup Technician, and Coffee Taster. He is also a Roasters Guild Certified Coffee Roaster. Spencer was honored by the Specialty Coffee Association of America with the “Outstanding Contribution to the Association Award” and received the Patron Award for extraordinary volunteer leadership.

Spencer is Vice President of Coffee Enterprises in Hinesburg, Vermont. He can be reached at spencer@ce.coffee.