Branson's planning, development director takes private-sector job

City of Branson Planning & Development Director Joel Hornickel is exiting the municipality for an out-of-state, private-sector job.

Hornickel's last day at the city is Dec. 7, according to a news release. He started in 2009 as senior planner and took on his current role in 2014.

“I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens, visitors and other stakeholders of the community," Hornickel said in the release. "It has been exciting to see Branson’s growth and progress over the past decade."

Hornickel accepted a position with Toledo, Ohio-based golf course architecture firm JDR Design Group LLC, said Branson spokesperson Melody Pettit.

In Branson, Hornickel is credited with overseeing $524.3 million in construction investments, implementing 2030 community plan actions, updating and modernizing codes, and managing the city's online development process portal, according to the release.

In announcing Hornickel's resignation this week, city officials said a nationwide search would be launched immediately. Jacob Phillips, a city planner, will lead the department on an interim basis.