New leaders take helm at Salvation Army Springfield

A husband and wife team took the helm this month at the Salvation Army Springfield, Missouri Corps.

Majors Mike and Judy Mills, who moved from Chicago June 24, started early July in the Springfield leadership roles. They succeed Majors Norman and Claire Grainger, who moved at the end of June, said Mandy Long, development director for the Salvation Army Springfield.

"Moving officers is standard Salvation Army procedure. Most officers are in an appointment around five years, so we were very lucky the Graingers were here for 10 years," Long said via email.

The Mills move from their most recent work in the Windy City at the College for Officer Training. There for two years, Judy Mills worked as assistant director of campus services and taught classes, while her husband was a personnel officer, brigade officer, taught classes, and oversaw cadet fitness and men's seminar services, according to a news release.

"So far, the community has been very welcoming,” Mike Mills said in the release. “There is such a spirit of collaboration, not just among the nonprofits, but the entire community."

The Mills also have served the Salvation Army in Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, South Dakota and Indiana.

The Salvation Army Springfield, Missouri Corps is preparing for its 2014 Back-to-School Assistance Program, which provides children in Greene and Christian counties with basic schools supplies, backpacks, shoes and clothing from its thrift stores, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]