Springfield hires Walmart architecture manager for vacant role

Photo provided by city of Springfield

Dwayne Shmel is the city's next director of Building Development Services.

The city of Springfield hired a Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) senior manager of architecture and design to fill a role vacant for almost a year.

Dwayne Shmel is slated to join the city Jan. 11 as director of Building Development Services, according to a news release.

Shmel succeeds Harlan Hill, who in February became CEO of the Eden Village tiny home community. Assistant Director of Environmental Services Wade Drossel has led the BDS department in the interim.

With 25 years of national retail design, development and construction experience, Shmel has served in the role at Walmart since 2012. He previously was manager of development, project development manager and architectural manager for Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE: BBY), according to the release.

“Our department is the steward of the development and building standards that preserve the life, safety, health and property of all our customers," Shmel said in the release. "Executing that public service mission in a consistent and responsive manner supports common goals and furthers the partnership with those who choose to invest in Springfield.”

Shmel’s salary will be $125,000.

The BDS department responds to some 12,000 resident service requests per year to address property nuisance complaints. It also issues permits for building construction and awards certificates to license electricians and other professionals, according to the release. The department has an operating budget of $3.2 million and 34 employees, said city spokesperson Cora Scott.

“Dwayne has a high level of understanding of both the public and private aspects of property development. He also brings to the table a solutions-oriented approach,” said City Manager Jason Gage, in the release. “This approach will help the city continue to improve our development permitting and inspection services, and neighborhood blight elimination efforts.”