Springfield has a new city manager. Jason Gage will take the reins August 1, replacing outgoing City Manager Greg Burris, who resigned.
Springfield City Council made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Gage was offered a one-year contract with a base salary of $220,000, according to city officials.
Gage has been the City Manager of Salina, Kansas for 13 years. Before that, he held the same position in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The City of Salina has 480 employees and an annual budget of $137 million, serving a city of 49,000 residents, according to a release from the City of Springfield.
He has Ozarks ties, earning a Bachelor's degree in political science from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. His Master's Degree is in Public Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Gage also spent five years as City Manger of De Soto, Missouri.
“He was the best fit for Springfield with his experience in public safety and economic development, which are two of City Council’s main priorities. In addition, he has experience working in a community that has a strong educational background, Stillwater, Oklahoma,” said Springfield Mayor Ken McClure in a release.
According to Springfield city officials, Gage was involved in a $155 million downtown redevelopment project for Salnia—which included an athletic tournament fieldhouse, a hotel and conference facility, a museum, and downtown housing.
An interim City Manager will be named to serve between July 1 and Aug. 1. Outgoing City Manager Greg Burris resigned to take a new position with the Give 5 Program, which helps retirees find a spot as community volunteers.
The other finalist was Wayne Pyle of West Valley City, Utah.