Springfield Economic Vitality assistant director exits municipality

Economic development specialist Danny Perches has exited his role as assistant director of Economic Vitality for the city of Springfield.

Perches said via Facebook Messenger this morning that May 23 was his last day on the job. He said he expects to start with a new employer in mid-June, when an announcement will be made.

"I’m looking forward to the continued growth under Mayor [Jeff] Schrag and City Manager [David] Cameron," Perches told Springfield Business Journal.

Perches announced his exit from the municipality in a LinkedIn post.

"It’s always tough leaving such great colleagues and co-workers, but the right opportunity presented itself and I had to jump on it," he said in the post. "The city is full of amazing people working hard each and every day to make Springfield a better place. Excited to support these efforts in my next role."

Perches joined the city of Springfield as development project facilitator in 2021 after previously working in economic development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. He was promoted to assistant director of Economic Vitality in 2022.

Perches’ promotion at the end of 2022 had some in the development community applauding the move. Developer Curtis Jared said elevating Perches is one of the smartest decisions city leaders have made.

“He’s a great advocate for developers to help them navigate through the city on issues they’re having,” Jared previously told SBJ.

In his Economic Vitality post, Perches worked with Director Amanda Ohlensehlen on economic and community development project coordination and on helping to formulate policy.

The city of Springfield did not provide a statement by deadline on next steps for the role Perches has vacated.