HBA hires new leader

Dori Grinder was selected unanimously from the field of candidates, officials say.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield hired a veteran chamber of commerce executive, Dori Grinder, as its new leader.

Grinder comes to the HBA after nearly five years with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, most recently as vice president of membership development, and five years prior as the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce's executive director, according to a news release and her LinkedIn profile. As the HBA's new executive officer, Grinder succeeds Charlyce Ruth, who was asked to resign this summer and a month later was hired by the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

HBA board President Travis Miller said the organization's search committee, comprising current and past board directors and community members, received more than 100 resumes from candidates nationwide. Dan Prater, senior managing consultant with a focus on nonprofits via BKD LLP, assisted in the process.

"All of our finalists were excellent, but the committee unanimously agreed that Dori has the organizational experience, the energy and the creativity we need at this point in the HBA’s history," said Miller, owner of Travis Miller Homes LLC, in the release. "Under her leadership, we look forward to an innovative future for our members and the communities we serve.”

Upon Ruth's exit, Miller cited plans “to explore new avenues” and pursue “fresher ideas," according to past reporting.

Grinder is taking over an association with around 350 members and a $700,000 annual operating budget, according to SBJ list research.

She brings membership development experience to the role. With the Ozark chamber, she led a public relations initiative to increase membership ranks by 130% and revenue by 315%, according to the release. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she left the Springfield chamber in June.