Last edited 12:10 p.m., Nov. 15, 2013Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO Ken Thrasher resigned this week after four months at the helm.
Thrasher's last day with the organization was Tuesday, he said.
"My professional interests were better served by resigning," Thrasher said, noting he hasn't yet moved on to a new job but has a few he's looking at.
Thrasher started
July 1, succeeding Gloria Roling, who exited the position in April three months after being hired in the absence of 11-year CEO Matt Morrow.
Thrasher declined to speak further, citing a personal obligation limiting his time this morning.
Miles Ross of Veritas Public Relations, who handles public relations for the HBA, said the organization's board is not planning to hire a replacement for Thrasher.
"They have a very well-qualified staff, and they are going to be reassigning responsibilities with their current staff," Ross said.
Ross said HBA Operations Manager Charlyce Ruth would serve as interim executive officer, managing staff members Aaron Wahlquist, communications director, and Emily Fletcher, administrative assistant.
"During the last year, the HBA has incrementally developed a new strategy to better serve its members. The building industry has been hit hard during the recession that began in 2008. As the recovery continues, the HBA has made the decision to reallocate staff responsibilities. The existing staff is highly qualified to implement these changes, resulting in a more effective and efficient organization," HBA board President Brett Godfrey said in a statement provided by Ross.
Ross declined to speak further about the resignation, referring instead to the statement.
Thrasher worked nearly four years as national sales manager for Pinnacle Sign Group before leaving the company in April. Prior to that, he worked nearly two years as a national trainer for the National Federation of Independent Business and worked a three-and-a-half year stint as a field representative for Missouri Congressman Mel Hancock in the 1990s, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.[[In-content Ad]]
