Experience
JD is ready to lead and serve Arlington County on Day One. His collective experiences have prepared him to represent all residents and small businesses in county decision-making, to advocate for the County to state and federal governments, and to recruit national and international businesses to make Arlington County home.
Distinguished Retired Marine
Julius D. Spain, Sr. is a combat veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 26 years before retiring in December 2016. He enlisted in the Marines and began serving our country after graduating from Conway High School in 1990. In 2001 he deployed in the first wave of American troops to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon retirement, the USMC presented Master Gunnery Sergeant Spain with one of the nation's highest military honors, the Legion of Merit, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services and achievements to the United States of America.
Diplomatic & Legislative Service
During JDâs military service, he had the distinct honor and privilege of serving on a four-year diplomatic assignment in Brussels, Belgium, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, where he provided operational and administrative support for the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States.
JD went on to complete a one-year congressional fellowship in the United States Senate, and serve as the senior advisor for the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and as a federal investigator for the DoD Office of Inspector General.
Arlington County Government Appointee
In 2015, JD was appointed by the County Board to serve a three-year term as a Commissioner on the Arlington County Civil Service Commission. Commissioner Spain and his colleagues advised the County Board, County Manager, and Human Resources staff on personnel matters and policies and conducted final-level grievance reviews. This position provided JD with invaluable experience in the inner-workings of county government.
Business Leader
JD currently works in the private sector in a senior role for a Northern Virginia-based business consulting and services firm. In 2023, his employer presented him with the companyâs âLuminary Award'' recognizing his achievements in creating âan inclusive and accessible environment for their team, organization, or customer.â Additionally, he is a member of George Mason University, the President's Innovation Council, and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance - Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council.
Education
While JD served as a Marine, he simultaneously pursued higher education, attending colleges located at his various duty stations. He was awarded his Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Maryland, University College (UMUC)âa distinguished program established in 1949 to support the higher education of returning GIs and military personnel stationed around the globe.
JD later completed advanced studies in legislative affairs from Georgetown University, Government Affairs Institute, Capitol Hill Fellowship Program. Master Gunnery Sergeant Spain served as Defense Fellow to Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), a member of the Foreign Relations and Veteran Affairs Committees.
Arlington Community Engagement
JD is a recognized leader in public/private/non-profit partnerships that support Arlington residents. He is a proud member of the Leadership Arlington Class of 2022; his peers elected him as co-Ambassador.
In 2018, JD was elected NAACP Arlington Branch president; he completed two two-year terms and significantly increased the chapter's involvement in the community. During his tenure, he led a team of volunteers and grew the branch membership by 400% and its revenue by over a quarter-million dollars. In 2021, the Arlington County Human Rights Commission recognized the Arlington Branch with the 2021 James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards. In 2022, Volunteer Arlington presented JD with the Racial Equity Civic Engagement Award for his work as president of NAACPâs Arlington Branch.
Use of military rank, titles, or photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement by
the United States Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.