Springfield hires workforce development director

Springfield officials last week hired Mary Ann Rojas as the city's director of workforce development.

Rojas is moving to Springfield from Temple, Texas, where she most recently worked as a consultant, grant writer and lead project manager for request for proposal submissions, according to a news release.

She has more than 17 years of experience in workforce development and business and economic development, including service as executive director of worksource of the South Plains in Lubbock, Texas, and director of workforce solutions of the Coastal Bend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

"I believe she will be a good fit, and will provide great leadership as we continue to support the community’s emphasis on talent recruitment and retention,” Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said in the release.

As director, Rojas will oversee the Department of Workforce Development, which employs about 60 and has an approximate annual budget of $4 million.

“Springfield is a vibrant city with an abundance of assets, one of them being its workforce," said Rojas, who is set to begin her duties on June 24 and earn a salary of $96,957.

John Peine has served as interim director of the department since the spring 2012 resignation of Bill Dowling, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]