Branson hires finance director, loses attorney

The city of Branson has hired a new finance director, while its attorney has returned to private practice.

Lori Helle is scheduled to start Sept. 22 as the city’s finance director, according to a news release. She was selected from five finalists and replaces Ferris Brown, who left the city in February. Her salary is still being formalized, city spokesman Jerry Adams said.

Helle currently is director of finance and administration for the city of Chesterfield, a St. Louis suburb with a population of about 47,000. She has been there for a year; she previously was director of budget and finance in Ellisville for five years, director of finance and treasurer in Shrewsbury for three years and finance officer for Glendale for five years.

Meanwhile, Branson city attorney Paul Link’s last day with the city was Monday, according to a separate news release. He has been hired at Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown PC's Branson office.

Link was with the city since December 2005. The Branson Board of Aldermen will begin a search for his replacement this month.