Employee profile: Vice President Terrence Spence

The pandemic has forced every company to renew efforts in talent attraction and retention. At Louisville Water Company, Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations Terrence Spence is leading the utility’s commitment to be an employer of choice.

“We want Louisville Water to be a place where people desire to work, where they are fulfilled in the work they do, where they can build a career, and where they can have an impact on the entire community,” said Spence, who oversees recruitment, hiring, retention, benefits, training and other HR functions for Louisville Water’s close to 450 employees.

Spence has two decades of leadership in human resources, working with WHAS-TV and Coca-Cola prior to his current role. He said engaging employees is a key focus of Louisville Water and he’s spearheaded a number of initiatives such as employee recognition programs, town halls and learning and development programs.

He’s also incorporated community connectivity through programs that engage employees in conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as provide employees opportunities to help nonprofit organizations.

Spence himself has given back to the community with board of directors service for organizations such as the Louisville Sports Commission, Family and Children’s Place and WHAS Crusade for Children.

He’s served as a mentor for the West End School and Frederick Law Olmsted Academy North as well as coached a variety of youth sports.

“I was born and raised in this community, and I feel it’s important to be a contributor,” he said.

Spence is a Louisville native, the seventh of ten siblings, and a University of Louisville graduate. His family includes his wife, Patrice, and two children, now college graduates, Terrence and Kamryn.