County names interim emergency management director

The Greene County Commission selected an interim emergency management director as the search for a permanent successor to Chet Hunter progresses.

Larry Woods takes over in the interim for Hunter, who stepped down Aug. 26 to take a job as assistant director of emergency management for Washington University.

An employee of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management for 16 years, Woods has served as deputy director the past 13. He’s a certified emergency manager through the International Emergency Managers Association and a licensed Emergency Medical Technician through the state of Missouri, according to a news release.

“I have the highest confidence in Larry’s ability to lead this office skillfully and continue to advance our vision to become the most disaster-resilient community in America,” Hunter said in the release. “His extensive experience in emergency management best practices and his knowledge of our local office will serve Greene County well.”

Interested parties have until Sept. 8 to apply for the director role. The job’s annual salary starts at $60,757, according to Greene County’s jobs site.

The director of the Office of Emergency Management is responsible for managing its operations, supervising planning and training personnel, and leading efforts during times of disaster, according to the release.