Chevron El Segundo’s Spackman recognized for three decades of championing community
MBEF Legacy Award honoree Rod Spackman, of Chevron, with wife Marguerite at a past Manhattan Wine Auction. Photo courtesy MBEF
Rod Spackman enjoyed the somewhat complicated title of manager for policy, government, and public affairs at Chevron for 37 years and eight months during his 40-year career with the company. But in so doing, he played a fundamental role in the South Bay community that went beyond his title. Spackman was a champion for local schools and non-profit organizations and helped marshal Chevron’s considerable charitable endeavors in a targeted and emphatically helpful way.
Spackman, who recently retired, was honored by the Manhattan Beach City Council on Tuesday night. His successor at Chevron, Jeff Wilson, told the council they could expect to see much more of Spackman, who is a Manhattan Beach resident.
“We are not losing, but the community is gaining, a full-time community leader back in their midst,” Wilson said. “Rod Spackman has spent 40 years in tireless service to both this community and our company at Chevron. For almost three decades, he served as the face of our company and steward of our facility and our enterprise in the Los Angeles Basin.”
Spackman was perhaps best known for his instrumental role in helping establish local education foundations, including MBEF, and then funneling millions of dollars from Chevron to local schools.
“You and Chevron have been an example of what it means to be a corporate partner with communities, with education foundations, with our cities,” said Councilperson Nancy Hersman. “And I just want to thank you for all you have done.”
Mayor Richard Montgomery said Spackman’s influence is both local and national.
“The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix was probably your baby, the bike race that everybody knows about,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “People say Manhattan Beach doesn’t have much effect outside of California. Not true. Rod is there at the White House, and goes and talks national policy. So we touch the world from our little town here.”
“His reach was far and wide,” said Councilperson Steve Napolitano. “He just didn’t represent Chevron here locally, but on a national and state level. For him to remain focused on Manhattan Beach I think just shows how dedicated he is to this community.”
Spackman and his wife Marguerite beamed in via Zoom.
“I am told that you’re supposed to have a plan when you retire. I’ve apparently failed at that,” Spackman said. “Our plan at this point is to stay here in Manhattan Beach. It’s a place that we obviously call home, like all of you do. We love living here and we’re looking forward to having more opportunities to be active in the community in a different way than the hat I’ve worn for a number of decades on behalf of the company…. It’s very heartfelt, the kindness that you are showing tonight. I just appreciate it.” ER