Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
10-10-2025
Bio
Captain Brent Spillner ‘95
A native of Cary, Illinois, Capt. Spillner commissioned in 1999 through the University of Illinois’ naval ROTC program, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science. At sea, he served aboard USS OHIO (SSBN 726), USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724), USS HAMPTON (SSN 767), and USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN 706), completing multiple Western Pacific deployments. He commanded USS SPRINGFIELD (SSN 761) from 2016 to 2019, overseeing an engineered overhaul, recertification, and Pacific transition, and USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772) in 2020, completing a fourth Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command deployment. From 2023 to 2024, he commanded USS EMORY S LAND (AS 39), supporting U.S. and allied forces across the Western Pacific and pioneering innovations in expeditionary logistics, weapons handling, and additive manufacturing. Ashore, Capt. Spillner served as an Olmsted Scholar at the University of Amsterdam, earning a master’s in political science, and held assignments with NATO in Naples, the Chief of Naval Personnel staff, and the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was also a Hudson Fellow at the University of Oxford and, in 2025, began language studies at the Defense Language Institute for a prospective attaché role. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, though he values his unit commendations and operational awards most. He and his wife, Angela Thelen of Palos Park, Illinois, have two daughters, Violet and Julia
Recommended Citation
Spillner 95', Captain Brent, "Recipient of the 2025 Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award" (2025). Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award. 31.
https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/alumni_leadership/31