FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield’s Economic Development Director Mary Lilly Smith has been promoted to the position of Director of Planning and Development, effective Jan. 26, 2015. Smith follows Ralph Rognstad, who is retiring in January. She has worked for the City in a variety of roles, for 32 years, including as Principal Planner in the Neighborhood Conservation Office and was responsible for the City’s Capital Improvements Program. “Mary is an incredible asset to the City and to our entire community,” said City Manager Greg Burris. “We are excited for her to step into this expanded role and continue efforts to improve Springfield’s reputation as a great place to live and work.” Most recently as Economic Development Director, Smith works closely with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Business Development Corporation, City Utilities of Springfield, and Greene County to attract new businesses and jobs to the Ozarks. In that capacity, she is responsible for the City’s economic development initiatives, including center city redevelopment, economic incentives, and coordination of the review of significant development proposals. “I’m honored to be selected to serve as Springfield’s next Planning and Development Director,” she said. “Springfield has a rich history of strong, visionary Planning directors, most notably Gene Boles, Fred May and retiring director Ralph Rognstad. I intend to continue their good work and, at the same time, focus on our department’s core functions of facilitating development, revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing investment and jobs for our community.” She serves on the board of directors of the Missouri Economic Development Finance Association, as well as several Community Improvement Districts. Smith is a graduate of Leadership Springfield, a member of the Junior League of Springfield, and was named one of the 2014 Business Advocate of the Year by the Springfield Business Journal. Smith’s base salary will be $111,945. # # # For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, 417-864-1009 (office) | 417-380-3352 (cell), [email protected]Download Smith portrait.