Springfield names interim city attorney

Springfield City Manager Greg Burris has found a temporary replacement in the city’s law department for the exiting Dan Wichmer.

Effective today, Marianne Banks takes over as interim city attorney. She assumes the duties managed by Dan Wichmer, whose last day as city attorney was March 11. After 11 years as Springfield’s city attorney, he is scheduled to start March 21 as executive director of Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

Banks has worked as an assistant city attorney for Springfield since 2002. Her past experience includes 11 years as city attorney in Georgetown, Texas, according to a news release.

To find a permanent successor for Wichmer, Burris is forming a committee comprising members of the city’s leadership team, as well as an attorney from another city.

Springfield’s city attorney is responsible for providing legal advice to City Council, 22 departments and resident-led boards and task forces. The 16-person law department handles litigation for the city and the drafting of council bills and contracts.