Meet Cary Spence, Our Community Connector Extraordinaire!
With a passion for hospitality and a knack for building connections, Cary Spence, our Community Relations Director, brings energy and enthusiasm to the Museum every day! Whether he's engaging visitors, spreading the word about the Museum across Mississippi, or helping with events, Cary’s dedication to sharing the wonders of nature shines through.
Growing up outdoors in Madison County and with a successful background in hospitality management, Cary knows how to make every guest feel welcome while sharing the importance of conservation and Mississippi’s natural beauty.
Want to learn more about Cary’s journey and his advice for students interested in Museum careers? Check out his Staff Spotlight below.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?
I joined the Museum July 1, 2024, and joined the MDWFP Agency June 1, 2021 as a Park Administrator.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
My workday consists of various meetings such as leadership, planning, and or training and community outreach; I never know what may come about each day, there may be a new challenge or job duty.
I promote the Museum whenever and wherever I can. I engage visitors to the Museum, help with operations and events at the Museum, and help with training and conducting Museum inspections and tours.
I distribute Museum collateral whenever possible.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
Well, not really funny, but interesting.
Engaging with people, I find usually one or two degrees of separation anywhere in Mississippi. My older co-workers joke about it and think I’m related to a lot of people!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
My Dad placed me on a horse at a very young age, we loved the outdoors and were sportsmen in the Madison County area. My brother and I learned to drive jeeps in the country at 11 or 12 years old.
My background is hospitality, restaurant, hotel, and country club management and my major of Sociology, minor of Political Science at USM and Business courses at Tulane have helped me in my career field.
I achieved the Certified Club Manager designation in 2015 after a required six year period and five university’s courses in ten areas of the hospitality industry, and passing an eight-hour exam.
Currently, I enjoy serving as a board member of the MS Hospitality and Restaurant Association and a board member of the Greenwood Cemetery Association (Jackson’s oldest cemetery).
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
My career really chose me.
I started by managing a very busy restaurant, I found I enjoyed being hospitable and serving others and it just evolved after that into hotel management, then country club management, then State Parks management, and now I have been transferred to the Museum, which I certainly appreciate.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
I have the great opportunity of explaining the importance of conservation and promoting the understanding and education of Mississippi’s biological diversity through the Museum in speaking to individuals, groups, Welcome Centers, and State Parks.
We have such a grand stage to encourage interest in the many “things” Mississippi - and they are all here at the Museum!
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
Yes, I have learned that a career in Museum work and biology makes for a happy person!
If a student is so inclined and interested, they should start by getting involved in their school programs related to our area and start volunteering in a museum.
I see many children who have a pre-disposition to all things natural and for them I encourage the pursuit in this career area because people who love their work gain enjoyment and satisfaction.
