HBA parts ways with CEO

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Board of Directors yesterday voted to remove CEO Charlyce Ruth from her position.

Board President Travis Miller said the decision was made as the organization moves "to explore new avenues” and pursue “fresher ideas.”

"We're very thankful for all the service she gave us," Miller said. "It was a hard decision to do, but we've got to look [out] for the organization and the future."

Ruth became the HBA's permanent CEO in 2014, after serving in the interim following the exit of Ken Thrasher, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Along with Gloria Roling, Thrasher filled the gap left vacant by 11-year leader Matt Morrow, who's now CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

An attempt to reach Ruth today was unsuccessful.

Miller, who owns Travis Miller Homes Inc., said he's serving as acting leader of the HBA and that other board members also are taking active roles.

"We’ll do a search for a new executive officer when we feel the time is right," Miller said. "I don't know if that's going to be in two weeks or a month or two months."

The HBA ranked No. 4 on Springfield Business Journal's list this year of the area's largest industry networking groups. On the list published May 11, HBA reported 350 members and a $700,000 operating budget.

Miller said membership has been steady amid the COVID-19 pandemic since construction was deemed an essential activity.