Restore SGF hires executive director

Community restoration nonprofit Restore SGF has named its first permanent executive director.

Brendan Griesemer starts in the role on Jan. 16, according to a news release. He recently retired from the city of Springfield, where he worked for 27 years, most recently as Planning and Development assistant director. Griesemer also led the Department of Planning and Development on an interim basis before the hiring of Steve Childers for the top job.

At Restore SGF, Griesemer takes over for interim director Dana Elwell.

"He will oversee the organization’s mission to encourage reinvestment in Springfield’s historic neighborhoods," officials said in the release, which notes the Restore SGF board conducted the hire of Griesemer on Jan. 11.

Restore SGF in September introduced its first program to encourage improvements to Springfield’s neighborhoods. The block grant program will support neighbors working in teams to create a chain reaction of improvements, according to past reporting. The program is funded by investments from 10 financial institutions and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The loan fund totals $1.5 million. The nonprofit also has a down payment assistance program.

Restore SGF last month announced it was seeking a permanent executive director.