The Honorable Michael T. Spencer is the Chairperson and Chief Administrative Judge of the District of Columbia Rental Housing Commission. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Chief Judge Spencer to the Rental Housing Commission in July 2016, and DC Council confirmed his appointment a few months later.  In October 2017, Mayor Bowser promoted Chief Judge Spencer to his post as Chairperson. 

Prior to leading the Commission, Chief Judge Spencer worked in two other roles in DC Government, and as an associate in the real estate and healthcare regulatory groups at Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter in Columbus, Ohio. 

Chief Judge Spencer graduated from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2006, where he was an editor on the Journal of Dispute Resolution and the recipient of the Dean’s Special Award for leadership. He earned two degrees from Ohio University - a Master of Arts in International Affairs and a Bachelor of Specialized Studies in African American Studies and English Literature. While at Ohio University, Chief Judge Spencer was nominated for a Rhodes scholarship, and he received the university’s top two undergraduate leadership awards. 

Chief Judge Spencer is a third-generation Washingtonian and a proud graduate of DC Public Schools. He was raised in Historic Anacostia, and currently resides in the East of the River neighborhood of Hillcrest with his husband. 

Chief Judge Spencer’s volunteer board and committee service include leadership positions with Whitman Walker Health, Youth Leadership Greater Washington, the American Red Cross, Rocketship Public Schools, and For Love of Children.  He is also a member of Leadership Greater Washington’s Class of 2012, the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Ambassador’s Program, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.