Joel Spangenberg grew up in Kirkland, graduating from Lake Washington High School in 1996. More recently, Spangenberg was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Selective Service System in the Biden Administration, where he also serves as the agency’s Acting Director.

“The Selective Service System serves an important role in support of the Department of Defense and our national security,” said Deputy Director Spangenberg. “The agency’s employees, military reservists, and volunteers do outstanding work in carrying out its mission while proudly serving the American people.”

Spangenberg is a U.S. Navy veteran, having graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000. Spangenberg made his way back to the Seattle-area when assigned to the nuclear-powered carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, from 2004-2006.

Most recently, Spangenberg served as the first-ever Executive Director of Operations for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. Spangenberg has also previously served as Subcommittee Deputy Staff Director to former U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

“I’m honored and excited to join the Biden-Harris Administration and have the opportunity to serve as Deputy Director of the Selective Service System,” said Deputy Director Spangenberg. “I look forward to the great things we can accomplish together as a team.”