Restore SGF initiates plans for permanent executive director

Restore SGF is seeking to hire a permanent executive director.

The community restoration nonprofit issued a call for applications in a news release this morning. The full-time job has been listed on websites such as LinkedIn.

The executive director would succeed banker Dana Elwell, who has led Restore SGF on an interim basis since July.

"Dana Elwell has done a fantastic job with getting Restore SGF off the ground and will help us make the transition to a permanent director," said Richard Ollis, Restore SGF executive committee chair, in the release. "Dana’s experience in lending and his interest in making Springfield better have been invaluable to our success thus far and we wish him well."

The board hopes to start interviews before the holidays and have the position filled by mid-January.

Restore SGF in September introduced its first program to encourage improvements to Springfield’s neighborhoods. The block grant program will support neighbors working in teams to create a chain reaction of improvements, according to past reporting. The program is funded by investments from 10 financial institutions and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The loan fund totals $1.5 million.

The nonprofit also has a down payment assistance program, according to the release.