HBA names new CEO

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield has found its next CEO in Ken Thrasher.

Thrasher joined the nonprofit July 1 to succeed former executive Gloria Roling, who exited the position in April three months after being hired in the absence of 11-year CEO Matt Morrow.

Thrasher worked nearly four years as national sales manager for Pinnacle Sign Group before leaving the company in April. Prior to that, he worked nearly two years as a national trainer for the National Federation of Independent Business and worked a three-and-a-half year stint as a field representative for Missouri Congressman Mel Hancock in the 1990s, according to his LinkedIn page.

"I strongly believe that I am there to help further the goals of whomever I'm associated with," Thrasher said. "I serve the board of directors for the Springfield HBA. I work for them, for their best interests."

Heading into the position, Thrasher said he is keeping both ears open to get a feel for the role.

"I don't like to come with a set decision made to almost any situation," he said. "I love to get input and collaborate with other leaders. We have just wonderful leaders at the HBA."

Roling left the job suddenly April 5 with no explanation. At the time, Springfield HBA board members did not return calls for comment. HBA board President Brett Godfrey and President-Elect Sam Bradley could not be reached for comment this afternoon.

Longtime executive Morrow resigned in November after he accepted the post of executive vice president for the Alabama-based Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.[[In-content Ad]]