City names assistant director of Department of Economic Vitality

The city of Springfield has named an assistant director for its Department of Economic Vitality.

Danny Perches, who joined the city last year as development project facilitator, has been promoted, according to a news release. He'll serve in the assistant role and report to Director Amanda Ohlensehlen.

“I am excited for Danny to join our team. He has experience working with the business community and building strong relationships between the public and private sector," Ohlensehlen said in the release. "He has a passion for making Springfield a vibrant place and will help us advance goals outlined in Forward SGF."

As assistant director of Economic Vitality, Perches will work with Ohlensehlen in economic and community development work, policy formulation, project development and coordination, and related research. He'll also coordinate development projects impacting the city's tax base.

Prior to his hiring by the city in March 2021, Perches served as project manager for economic development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, according to past reporting.

The city's Department of Economic Vitality also was created in 2021. The department was formed to separate the city’s economic development function from the Planning & Development Department, according to past reporting.

The economic development director title was converted to assistant director of Economic Vitality via City Council action, according to past reporting. Sarah Kerner, who previously served as the city's economic development director, exited earlier this year for a job at FORVIS.