Springfield hires Ozark city administrator

The city of Springfield has hired Ozark City Administrator Steve Childers to head its Department of Planning and Development.

Childers is scheduled to start at the Springfield municipality on Jan. 2, according to a news release.

“Steve has the proven ability to effectively work and communicate with a diverse group of individuals including public officials, developers, design professionals and community at large, as well as experience in establishing a vision for an organization," Springfield City Manager Jason Gage said in the release. "We are thrilled to have him join our team at the city of Springfield."

Childers has served as the city administrator of Ozark since 2007. He also was Ozark's first planning director prior to his role as city administrator and has 25 years’ experience in government leadership roles.

“I am extremely proud of the progress made in the city of Ozark during my time as city administrator. However, after nearly 20 years of serving this wonderful community, it is time for the next phase of my career,” Childers said in the release. “I look forward to bringing my experience, insights and educational background in planning to the city of Springfield."

Springfield's planning director oversees a team of 25 employees and serves as principal adviser to the city manager. The planning director also is responsible for engaging with community stakeholders and directing the preparation of Forward SGF, the city's master plan.

Childers has been tapped to succeed Susan Istenes, who city officials previously said resigned suddenly from her post in May. No explanation was provided by the city or by Istenes at that time. Assistant Director Brendan Griesemer led the department in the interim.