FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mary Mannix Decker, City of Springfield Finance director, announces her retirement effective July 22. Mannix Decker joined the City of Springfield Finance Department in 1999 as the Budget Administrator, responsible for the development of the City’s annual operating budget. In April 2002, she was promoted to Assistant Director, before accepting the role of Finance Director in October 2004. She is currently responsible for the five divisions of the Finance Department: Accounting, Budget & Evaluation, Licensing, Purchasing and the Print Shop. During Mannix Decker’s tenure, the City’s Finance Department received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation award, eight years in a row. In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well the City’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. Under Mannix Decker’s guidance, the City’s Finance Department has continued to receive a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers’ Association. “Mary Mannix Decker is one of those special leaders who can explain complex issues in a way that you don’t feel dumb for asking the question,” said City Manager Greg Burris. “Not only has she successfully led the fiscal management of arguably one of the most complex organizations in the region, but has done so with a caring touch. The many awards, along with the fact that the City of Springfield’s bond rating actually rose during the recent recession, speaks to the high-quality work of Mary and her team. The City of Springfield has been so fortunate to have someone like Mary at the financial helm for so many years.” Mannix Decker is proud of her work with the City Manager and Leadership Team to consistently pass a balanced budget without dipping into reserves. This occurred during and since the recession, with reserve levels increasing. “What I like about working in local government is that the work you’re doing translates into improvements in the community that are very visible. The stronger the City’s financial condition, the more we can accomplish,” she said. “I appreciate what all of our departments do to provide strong fiscal management. I value all of the friendships that I’ve made here.” Burris said the Finance Director position will be posted on the City’s Web site Thursday, May 26. ### For more information, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, at 417-380-3352 or [email protected]