Prosper Springfield director takes new job

Prosper Springfield Director Francine Pratt accepted a new job for a statewide organization, but she’s maintaining her local role on a part-time basis.

Pratt was hired April 20 as executive director of the Missouri College Access Network, a career and college readiness organization based in Columbia, according to a news release. She plans to continue her work with the poverty reduction initiative she’s led since 2017.

“I am excited for this opportunity to work with students and stakeholders across the state of Missouri to create an interconnected system that will increase access and success for students with pathways to careers and college,” she said in the release.

Pratt has led Prosper Springfield in partnering with organizations to help impoverished Springfieldians gain access to education, health care, housing, employment and financial security programs.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks, one of the leading organizations of the Prosper Springfield initiative and Pratt’s employer, this morning announced the hiring of Lauren Rogers as assistant director. Pratt will continue to serve as director on a part-time basis while taking on her new role at MOCAN, according to a separate news release. Rogers previously worked the last two years with Prosper Springfield as a Missouri State University student.

CPO President and CEO Janet Dankert said Pratt would continue to work on a part-time basis at Prosper Springfield for at least the next year.