Interim city manager expected to be appointed through council measure

As Jason Gage prepares to exit the municipality next month, Springfield City Council is expected to vote next week on the appointment of an interim city manager.

Council intends to vote Dec. 16 on a resolution that would appoint Deputy City Manager Collin Quigley as interim city manager, according to a news release. Quigley's interim appointment would become effective Jan. 12, the day after Gage's resignation is scheduled.

“Collin will provide steady leadership as we continue the search for a full-time city manager to succeed Jason Gage. He is a highly qualified professional who knows city operations well and is totally committed to our community,” Mayor Ken McClure said in the release. “His years of dedicated service are a testament to his conscientiousness.”

Quigley joined the municipality as assistant city manager in 2007 and was promoted to deputy city manager in 2018. In his current role, the Springfield native oversees the functions and activities of the Springfield-Branson National Airport and the departments of Emergency Communications, Finance, Fire, Health, Information Systems, Municipal Court, Police and Risk Management. Quigley works closely with Gage and Deputy City Manager Maurice Jones to lead the day-to-day operations of the city.

According to the release, Quigley has said he will not throw his hat in the ring for the permanent city manager role.

Council is working with executive search firm Strategic Governmental Resources on a nationwide search for Gage's permanent successor. The city expects to post the vacancy announcement in the first week of January and hold initial screening of candidates in February and March.

Gage in October announced he would resign as Springfield's city manager on Jan. 11, 2025. Gage, with 25-plus years of experience, has been city manager of Springfield since 2018. He manages a $507 million budget and oversees a staff of more than 2,100.