Downtown Springfield says goodbye to Rusty Worley

SPRINGFIELD -- Worley will step down from the role of Executive Director after 19 years of service with the Downtown Springfield Association.

In a press release, the DSA says Worley "expressed a desire to move into the next chapter of his life and spend more time with his family." It also states that he will continue to work on a timeline for his departure and position the organization for the future.

The Downtown Springfield Association is a non-profit 501c6, which are generally comprised of local business groups, real estate boards, or chambers of commerce. In the case of the DSA, their goal is to help develop the downtown area, plan events, and advocate for businesses and safety. It also partners with several financial entities to help hopeful business owners connect with property developers.

Some of the notable achievements during Worley's tenure include growing events like Artsfest, Cider Days, Taste of SoMo, Women's Day Downtown, and the Downtown Farmer's Market.

“Rusty is a tireless advocate for Downtown Springfield,” said DSA President, Brian Mattson. “His passion for making downtown a place to live, work, and play is obvious. We all see him at the events and meetings, but behind the scenes, Rusty is busy running a staff, connecting with city officials, and even cleaning up litter on the streets."

Most recently, Worley spoke to Ozarks First about the potential expansion of the Springfield Convention Center and Visitor's Bureau after the state included $30 million dollars in its budget for the development of the center. It would also require a 50-50 match from the city. Worley expressed his support this week.

"We want them not just passing through, we get guests coming all the time checking out Route 66 or going to Bass Pro if we can get them. And instead of them staying a few hours, to spend a night or an extra night. That will really ring the cash register for our businesses across the city, but especially downtown,” Worley said.

The convention center is expected to be built along St. Louis Street, near the visitor center parking lot, across from University Plaza.

With exit from the DSA now declared, Worley does have his sights set on a different form of service to the community.

He is set to serve a three-year term as the Vice-Chair for the first ever Springfield Citizens' Advisory Board. Springfield City Council approved the creation of the Citizens’ Advisory Board in January, with the council solidifying nominations for the board earlier in March. The board will be tasked with recommending projects to City Council that align with the Forward SGF plan and will be funded with the 1/2-cent portion of the renewed 3/4-cent sales tax, the City says. These projects will include community and neighborhood initiatives, capital improvements and park projects.