Branson City Administrator Dody leaves

Dody’s last day on the job was Tuesday. He spent 10 years with Branson, including more than seven as city administrator.

Branson Public Information Director Jerry Adams could not comment on the specifics of the separation agreement approved by the board in closed session, other than to say it was mutual, and that a severance package was offered. The agreement was drafted last week.

Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley was unavailable to comment on Dody’s departure, but she said in a city news release that it was “a positive move for everyone involved.”

“We appreciate the long hours and diligent effort provided by Dody during a very dynamic and demanding period in our city’s history,” she said in the release.

Dody led the city through a time of rapid economic development that saw projects such as the $420 million Branson Landing retail district and the Branson Convention Center – set to open Aug. 17 – come to life.

“Those projects would have never happened without the leadership of Terry Dody,” Adams said. “He was the right man at the right time.”

Frank Schoneboom, assistant city administrator for three years, is serving as interim city administrator. His 15 years of public-sector experience include serving as administrative services director for Branson and as Rogersville city administrator.

A search committee is being formed to replace Dody.

Dody’s departure comes two months after Branson’s first economic development director, Michael Rankin, resigned after five years with the city. He also was at the forefront of the city’s growth and helped attract businesses such as the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum and the Sight and Sound Theater.