Perches starts new job after leaving city of Springfield

Danny Perches, who in May exited the city of Springfield as assistant director of Economic Vitality, has joined multistate engineering firm Olsson Inc.

Perches started June 11 as a business consultant at the firm's 550 E. St. Louis St. office in Springfield, with a focus on identifying growth opportunities and strengthening Olsson's position in the southwest Missouri market, said Jared Rasmussen, Olsson’s East Central geography leader. Olsson employs six business consultants in Missouri.

“Olsson has been thriving in Springfield and the southwest Missouri region for over 20 years. As a high-performing, growth-oriented organization, we’re always seeking individuals who not only align with our culture but also strengthen our existing relationships and help us build new ones," Rasmussen said via email. "Danny is an ideal fit in this context. He brings a strong network of relationships and a background in economic development that will help keep Olsson at the forefront of evolving infrastructure needs across both public and private sectors."

Similar to his past roles at the city of Springfield and in in economic development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Perches at Olsson will serve as a connector for economic development opportunities, Rasmussen said. Perches previously told Springfield Business Journal that he exited the city on May 23 and that he planned to start with a new employer in June. 

"This role is a great fit because it allows me to blend my background in economic development, public-private partnerships and municipal government with a team that shares my passion for helping clients thrive," Perches said via email. "As I step into this position, my goal is to help clients unlock new opportunities, create strategic value and strengthen the connections between business and community."

Olsson operates more than 30 offices and offers electrical, civil, structural and mechanical engineering services. The company's Springfield office has 53 employees.