Submitted by Lexi Udine
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL —Following a remarkable tenure of leadership and service, Sheila Smith is retiring as CEO of 211 Broward, leaving behind a lasting legacy of expanding access to critical crisis intervention and human services for the Broward community. 211 Broward, Broward County’s 24-hour, comprehensive helpline connecting residents with crisis intervention and human services, is proud to announce the appointment of Shea S. Spencer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Shea brings more than 20 years of distinguished nonprofit leadership, fundraising expertise, and deep community commitment to advance 211 Broward’s mission of ensuring no one faces a crisis alone.
For decades, 211 Broward has been a cornerstone of community safety and support in South Florida. Every call is answered by a trained, degreed counselor who listens to callers’ concerns, identifies their needs, and connects them with the right agencies and programs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days of the year. Whether a family is facing food insecurity, a housing crisis, domestic violence, or a mental health emergency, 211 Broward is there. A National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline partner for more than 10 years, 211 Broward also answers all 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline calls originating in Broward County, providing immediate, compassionate response to individuals in their most vulnerable moments. This reflects the organization’s unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the community it serves.
Ms. Spencer arrives at 211 Broward with an extraordinary track record of growing nonprofit organizations, securing transformational funding, and building powerful community partnerships across South Florida. Most recently serving as CEO of the YWCA of Palm Beach County, she grew the organization’s operating budget by 75%, raised $1.7 million to address homelessness through rapid re-housing programs, and secured critical funding to support low-income families and underserved communities throughout the pandemic.
Prior to that, Spencer spent nearly a decade at United Way of Broward County managing a fundraising portfolio exceeding $2.4 million. Spencer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and has been recognized by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Most Influential Women in Business & Industry for three consecutive years, and is a recipient of the Banwo Awards Vanguard Award and a Nonprofits First honoree.
“It is an incredible honor to join 211 Broward. Stepping into this role is deeply personal to me because I have spent my career working alongside individuals and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments, and I understand how critical it is for families to receive help in real time. Every year, tens of thousands of calls, texts, and chats are answered connecting families to housing, food, healthcare, and other needs. Behind every connection is a caring and compassionate team member providing stability, safety, and hope. Our goal is to ensure that no one in Broward County has to navigate a crisis alone, and that every emergency and non-emergency call is connected to the right resources at the right time,” said Shea S. Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of 211 Broward. “I look forward to working with our Board, staff, and community partners to ensure 211 continues to meet the evolving needs of Broward County residents.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Shea Spencer to the 211 Broward family,” said Scott Singer, Board Chair of 211 Broward. “Her proven ability to grow organizations, secure critical funding, and forge meaningful community partnerships makes her the ideal leader to carry our mission forward. As the needs of Broward County residents continue to grow, Shea’s vision and passion will be instrumental in ensuring we are there for every person who needs help.”
Under Spencer’s leadership, 211 Broward is poised to deepen its impact across Broward County by growing funding streams, forging new partnerships with corporations, government agencies, and foundations, and expanding awareness of its life-changing services. With a steadfast commitment to equity and access for all, Spencer is ready to lead the organization into its next chapter of service.
