Meet Lynne Wooden.
She is Mayor Jim Langfelder’s choice to lead Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development … following a four-decade career in banking. So how does a career in banking prepare Wooden to be director of economic development?
“It kinds of brings a different flavor to the whole department, i think,” Wooden told WTAX News. “First of all, we have a fabulous staff. I’m just starting my fifth week, spending a lot of time with our staff, because they’re the ones that really know what’s going on.
“But from a banking perspective, I think I bring that financial expertise. I was also in an area of the bank that was considered a sales area.”
The city position has been vacant since the mayor dismissed Val Yazell more than a year ago.
Wooden’s appointment is considered temporary and thus does not need city council conformation until next year – after the city election.