Downtown Springfield Association launches leadership search
The Downtown Springfield Association (DSA) has launched the search for its next executive director, a key leadership role guiding the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Springfield. DSA leads initiatives that support small businesses, celebrate local culture, and enhance the heart of the city.
The new executive director will build on that strong foundation, working with downtown stakeholders, businesses, city leaders, and community partners to advance DSA’s mission. Previous director Rusty Worley resigned earlier this year after more than 19 years at the helm of the organization.
DSA said the ideal candidate for the job will bring a blend of community leadership, business acumen, and passion for place-making. The candidate must understand the balance between economic vitality and cultural identity. Responsibilities include organizational leadership, strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising, and oversight of DSA’s signature programs and events. The position description and application details are available online at https://efactory.missouristate.edu/DSA-exec-director/.
Arvest breaks ground on Republic branch
Arvest Bank broke ground Wednesday, Nov. 12, on its first branch in Republic, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 60 and S. Farm Road 103 near the Stone Creek Falls development. It will be Arvest’s 14th branch in the Springfield region, with a soft opening planned for late 2026.
The new branch will house about eight associates. Mindy Thompson, branch administrator for Arvest, will oversee the branch’s operations and staff, which will include a mortgage lender, business banker and Arvest Wealth Management associate.
The 4,282-square-foot branch will have full-service banking, one commercial drive thru lane, and two ATM with Live Teller lanes. The Live Teller machines, which also operate as standard ATMs, allow customers to conduct financial transactions with Arvest tellers via video during and outside of normal banking hours. Arvest selected local company DeWitt & Associates, Inc. to construct the new branch.
Tyson, McDonald’s donate to Ozarks Food Harvest
Tyson Foods will donated 40,000 pounds of chicken breast fritters to Ozarks Food Harvest on Friday, Nov. 14, in honor of McDonald’s Hungerthon donation of $17,000 to help children facing hunger in the Ozarks. Tyson Foods is amajor supplier to McDonald’s and Ozarks Food Harvest is the hunger-relief network serving families facinghunger across a third of the state of Missouri.
In addition to the donation, McDonald’s owners and operators helped pack for Ozarks Food Harvest’s WeekendBackpack Program.
Tyson’s donation will be made in honor of McDonald’s contribution to The Food Bank’s Hungerthon event andto help families across the Ozarks facing increased grocery prices. Hungerthon is Ozarks Food Harvest’s annualevent to raise funds for their Weekend Backpack Program, which provides nearly 1,700 local children with sixnutritious meals each weekend throughout the school year.
Strafford welcomes VanHorn as city administrator
The City of Strafford will hold a reception Monday, Nov. 17 to welcome Tommy VanHorn as its new city administrator. The reception will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m., at Stafford City Hall prior to a Board of Aldermen meeting where he will be sworn in.
VanHorn, who grew up in Strafford and is raising his family there, served as city administrator in Battlefield the past 4 1/2 years after working 18 years for Strafford city government, where he began his career as an entry-level maintenance worker and eventually served as public works director.
Known for his dedication as a public servant, VanHorn’s leadership style and strength in cultivating relationships with all levels of stakeholders, the City of Strafford said in a release, and will excel in fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration in his leadership role as city administrator.
Cox Branson leader recognized by hospital association
William Mahoney, president of Cox Medical Center Branson and senior vice president of the Community Hospital Group at CoxHealth, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA). The award was presented Nov. 5 during the MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles.
The award, established in 1975, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitals, health systems, communities, health care, and the MHA. Mahoney is recognized as a champion for the community, having worked tirelessly to improve access to care, support local initiatives, and strengthen partnerships that enhance the health and well-being of families throughout the Ozarks. His leadership has been crucial in fostering a culture of teamwork and trust, ensuring that every patient and employee feels heard, valued, and supported.
Under Mahoney’s guidance, three of CoxHealth’s rural hospitals have received national recognition for excellence in quality and patient experience. Cox Medical Center Branson has achieved multiple
