About

Val is an experienced business owner with a demonstrated history of working as a business and government consultant. She has 30 years of experience advocating for community involvement with an emphasis on economic development. Val has been Director of the office since November 2017.

  About

Cassidy has worked for OPED since May 2018. She is the point of contact for scheduling appointments in our office and the first friendly face you see when visiting our office!

Cassidy can help you with:

• Scheduling appointments with OPED Staff
• Answering and fielding phone calls to OPED Staff
• Answering questions related to our Staff and Programs

  About

Craig has worked for the City for 16 years, 14 of which as the Manager of Programs. His primary duties revolve around being the Administrator of Federal CDBG and HOME Programs including Housing and Community Development Programs. Craig also holds a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional designation with the National Development Council.

• Community Development Block Grants
• Not-for-Profit Public Facilities Rehabilitation Programs
• Not-for-Profit Public Service Programs
• Business Loans

  About

Rich has been with the City since 2001, but brings nearly 50 years worth of construction experience to his role in this department. Rich is an Associate member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, and a member of both the Illinois Lead Poison Elimination Advisory Council and the Illinois Healthy Homes Advisory Council.

Rich can help you with:

• Scheduling required initial inspections
• Qualified homeowner rehabilitation suggestions/housing specifications
• Determine affected housing codes
• Oversee rehabilitation by codes
• Scheduling of required housing inspectors
• Obtaining Certificate of Occupancy

  About

Abby grew up steeped in local government, and tested the waters with a couple of internships and part-time gigs at the Town of Normal. She escaped the Midwest, and government work, for a few years in sunny Florida, working in sales. Deciding that wasn’t the life for her, she returned to the center of the country – first to Indiana, then Kentucky, finally settling back in Illinois. Abby holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Abby can help you with:

• Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Incentives
• Locating a new business in Springfield
• The Economic Development Commission

  About

Lisa is new to Springfield and loves her new home town! She recently graduated from Bradley University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in employee development and community outreach.

• Enterprise Zone Incentives
• Tax Credits and Exemptions
• Property Tax Abatements

  About

Kyle was born and raised in Genoa, Illinois and received his education from Illinois State University where he achieved a Masters in Politics and Government. Kyle has 5 years of experience in construction as well as experience with community engagement, a combination that led him to pursue employment with the City of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development.

• Topics concerning Historical Sites (demolition, rehab, landmark proposal, etc.)
• Navigating the development process with the City
• The Historic Sites Commission

  About

John Rogers was born and raised in Springfield, IL. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Accounting in 1984 and from Sangamon State University with a Masters in Business Administration in 1987. He started working for the City of Springfield in 1984 as a Budget Analyst in the Department of Accounts and Finances, now Office of Budget & Management. He moved to the Office of Planning & Economic Development in 1992. His work in OPED includes budgeting of revenue and expenditures, tracking cash flows, maintaining and reporting financial information to various governmental agencies and staff.

John can help you with:

• OPED Budget Questions