PREVIOUS: More than 20 applicants seek to become Springfield city manager
A public forum on the candidates will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at city hall. The public is invited to attend the forum in which the candidates will speak and be available to answer questions from the public.
“We were fortunate to have had a pool of experienced, qualified candidates from which to choose,” said Mayor Warren Copeland. “We are considering the candidates very carefully with the future of Springfield and the well-being of our residents in mind. The next city manager must be prepared to lead the city administration with many challenges and real opportunities to move forward.”
Twenty-one applicants applied for the job.
The city began its search for a new city head after longtime manager Jim Bodenmiller announced his retirement effective January 2019.
Bodenmiller joined the City of Springfield as personnel analyst in February 1987, according to a press release announcing his retirement. He began working as the assistant city manager in 2000 and then was appointed city manager in 2009, the release says.
READ: Springfield city manager announces retirement
“The city of Springfield is moving in the right direction after enduring tough economic times following the Great Recession of 2008,” said Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland. “The next city manager must be prepared to lead the administration of a city with challenges and real opportunities to move forward.”
At 10 years, Bodenmiller is the second longest-serving city manager in Springfield’s history. Former City Manager Matt Kridler served for 20 years.