Johna Spencer

Johna was born in Newport, RO and grew up in Portsmouth, RI graduating from Portsmouth High School.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising, Textiles, and Design, with a concentration in Business Management and Purchasing, and a minor in Theater Arts, from the University of Rhode Island.

Johna has worked in the accounting field for 24 years starting off at The Ted Hood Company in Portsmouth and is currently working for Gulf Resources, Inc. in Fall River, Massachusetts.  She has volunteered for many organizations over the years including The Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol Warren Strategic Planning Board/Bristol Warren Schools, Girl Scouts of RI, Bristol Christmas Festival (Co-Chairman), the Bristol Warren Parents’ Association, Portsmouth Middle School Book Store (Treasurer) and many more.  She is currently a member of the Portsmouth Conservation Commission, Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee, as well as the Battle of Rhode Island Association.

Johna’s interest in Portsmouth history goes back many years starting with school visit to the Portsmouth Historical Society Museum and childhood excursions down Barkers Brook with her good friend Peggy Wilkey.  She has learned most of her Portsmouth knowledge from Jim Garman, by reading his books and attending his lectures.