Jessie Spradley
Executive Officer
Northeast Florida Builders Association
Jessie Spradley is a prominent leader in Jacksonville’s construction and development industry, currently serving as the Executive Officer of the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA). A Jacksonville native, he has dedicated his career to advocating for the building industry and fostering community growth on the First Coast.
After graduating from UNF with a degree in Political Science, Jessie began volunteering on local election campaigns. After a successful State House campaign, Jessie was hired by Representative Charles McBurney to serve as his District Aide.
In 2013 Jessie joined NEFBA as the Government Affairs Director. In 2019 Jessie worked with members to create the NEFBA Emerging Leaders Program, which was recognized in 2021 as Best Education program by the National Association of Home Builders.
In 2021 Jessie was promoted to Executive Officer. In that role NEFBA has grown from 9th to 4th largest association in the Nation and was awarded the 2022 NAHB Membership Cup and the 2023 New Executive Officer of the Year award. Jessie currently services on the NAHB Professional Development Committee as is Chair of the FHBA Executive Officers Council.
Outside of NEFBA, Jessie has been involved in the community through several avenues. Jessie served as 2014 President of the Jacksonville Jaycees, and while with the group won Member of the Year (2011), JCI Florida Most Outstanding Local President (2014), JCI Best Community service Project of the Americas (2015) and the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Award (2014). He is a member of the Urban Land Institute, having graduated from their Center of Leadership in 2018. He also is an Alumni of the Jax Chamber Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellow, former board member of the St. Johns River Keepers Rising Tides group, and a former member of the City of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Leaders Advisory Committee (2015-2021). Most recently Jessie served on Mayor Deegan’s Affordable Housing Transition Subcommittee and was named 40 under 40 by Jacksonville Business Journal in 2023.
Jessie Spradley lives in Jacksonville Beach with his wife Nicole, and their children JD and Sadie.
10:30 am - 12:00 pm ET
Workshops I-VI: Block I
Workforce Development as a Neighborhood Asset: Building Workforce Pipelines that Match Real Demand
Room: Grand 8
Workforce systems are most effective when they respond directly to employer demand while remaining accessible to neighborhood residents. This session explores how Goodwill Industries collaborates with employers, education partners, and LIFT JAX, a Purpose Built Communities Network Member, to align training with real job opportunities.
Panelists will discuss how employer input shapes program design, how education partners deliver relevant credentials, and how Community Quarterback Organizations help ensure residents can access and succeed in these pathways.
Participants will:
- Understand how employer demand informs workforce program design
- Learn how workforce experts translate labor needs into training pathways
- Explore how Community Quarterback Organizations strengthen access and completion
- Gain insights into building workforce initiatives that lead to sustainable employment
