Tallahassee People on the Move

FAMU Announces Lt. Audrey Alexander as Police Chief

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Brown recently announced the appointment of Lt. Audrey Alexander as chief of police, effective September 13, 2024.

“Lieutenant Alexander has the necessary qualifications and has demonstrated her commitment to serve FAMU in this important role. With her proven track record of leadership, we have complete confidence in her ability and her vision for ensuring the safety of our campus,” Brown said. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Interim Chief John Cotton for answering the call to serve…”

A FAMU alumna, Alexander has more than 29 years of experience in law enforcement with the University in the Department of Campus Safety and Security. Her vast knowledge has afforded her the opportunity to fill various capacities during her tenure.

Prior to her appointment as chief of police, she served as assistant director/administrative lieutenant in the department from June 2022 until present. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing 25 sworn and non-sworn officers, development of departmental budgets, and implementation of community policing initiatives. Alexander has also served as interim chief of police, administrative sergeant, investigator and patrol officer. She is also certified as a 911 telecommunicator/dispatcher.

Alexander spent 24 years in the military before retiring as a major. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve and Florida National Guard. Her service included a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I am both excited and humbled to take on this new role and continue serving our campus community with dedication and commitment,” said Alexander. “Having served the FAMU community over the last quarter of a century, I am deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that our campus remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Alexander holds three degrees from FAMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and master’s degrees in public administration and adult education.

TSpark Enterprises Announces New VP of Operations

TSpark Enterprises Roofing and Construction recently announced Benjamin White is the company’s newest partner and Vice President of Operations. White has nearly three decades of experience in the construction industry with 13 years working in Florida. White graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. degree in economics.

Benjamin is also an active member of the construction community, serving on the Board of Directors for ABC North Florida.

“With an impressive career spanning nearly three decades in the construction industry, Benjamin brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a passion for excellence that aligns perfectly with our company’s values,” said TSpark owner, Travis Sparkman

White said he, “is excited to join the TSpark Enterprises team and eager to apply his extensive experience and knowledge to drive the company toward a successful future.”

TSpark Enterprises, headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, offers a wide range of roofing and construction services in the North Florida and South Georgia areas.

Ben Pingree Accepts Deputy Director of Aviation Position

After nearly nine years as an influential Tallahassee government official, Ben Pingree will serve as the next Deputy Director of Aviation for the City of Tallahassee’s International Airport beginning on September 7.

Pingree was serving as an assistant county administrator in Leon County before making this latest career move. Previously, he has held positions as Director of PLACE (Planning, Land Management and Community Enhancement) for Tallahassee & Leon County, Florida, and has served as County Administrator, Non-profit President & CEO, and senior leadership in related economic development fields.

With experience in business and economic development, Pingree managed a $97 million budget as assistant county administrator for Leon County, according to a release from TLH Director of Aviation, David Pollard.

Pollard noted that Pingree, and Deputy Director Vanessa Spaulding, will be “instrumental” as the airport seeks to fulfill their strategic plan.

Leon County Administrator Vince Long announced the personnel change in an email to commissioners. In the email, Long stated that “Ben has decades of experience overseeing large infrastructure and economic development projects, as well as navigating and leveraging complex local, state, and federal funding opportunities to make big projects happen,” Long wrote. “This is his true passion and aligns with the ambitious plans of the airport.”