Charles “Charlie” Spears served in the US Navy from 1948-52, and graduated from the University of Louisville in 1956.He worked in various capacities with the Jefferson County (Kentucky) Playground and Recreation Board as a student, and later as a full-time professional. In 1961 Charles Spears became the Recreation Director and Director of Operations for Kentucky State Parks, a position he held until 1968 when he assumed the position of Manager of Special Services for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. In 1971 Charles Spears became Director of the Nashville, Tennessee Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, but returned to Minneapolis in 1978 as Superintendent of the Park and Recreation Board.
In 1980, Mr. Spears became Vice President and General Manager of Revenue Consultants, Inc., a firm specializing in the planning, development and management of profit-oriented leisure services facilities, and in 1985 he became President of Food Services International in Boca Raton, Florida.
In 1985, Charlie returned to the park and recreation field as Director of the West Virginia State Park system. In 1991, he took on his final professional challenge as Chief Operating Officer of City Park in New Orleans Lousiana, a position he held until he retired in 1994.
Charles Spears made many professional contributions through his service activities including serving on the NRPA Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board of Regents for the Revenue Sources Management School, the Arts Management School, and the School of Sports Management. He also served as president of the Kentucky Recreation and Park Society and of the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.