The Springfield City Council selected Councilor Sean VanGordon to serve as Springfield’s Interim Mayor effective immediately.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected and to serve Springfield as your mayor,” said Interim Mayor Sean VanGordon “I am extremely grateful to the City Council for placing their trust in my leadership. I would like to thank my wife, Elaine, and the wonder twins, Katie and Liv, whose support gives me this great opportunity to serve. To quote, Simon Sinek, ‘Dream Big. Start Small. But most of all start.’ 2020 has been tough on our community, and we have a lot of work to do. I am looking forward to starting that work.”

VanGordon moved to the area to attend the University of Oregon where he earned a Master’s Degree in Economics. Sean serves on the Springfield Economic Development Agency, the Springfield Budget Committee, the HOME Consortium, Lane ACT, the Springfield Legislative Committee, the Springfield Library Board, the Springfield Development Code Update Project Advisory Committee, and the Lane County Poverty & Homeless Board. Sean is married to his high school sweetheart, Elaine, and the father of twin girls, Katie and Livy. His hobbies include watching Ducks sports, reading non-fiction books, following current affairs, gaming, and walks with his Labrador, Trajan.

The appointment of Interim Mayor leaves a vacant seat representing Ward 1 on the Springfield City Council. Information about the interim Councilor recruitment will be made available to media, on the City’s website, and social media sites starting tomorrow, January 20.

Leadership Sworn In

At its first Council meeting of the year on January 4, the Springfield City Council swore in Ward 4 Councilor Leonard Stoehr and Ward 6 Councilor Joe Pishioneri to new four-year terms; and welcomed Councilor Kori Rodley to serve as the new Ward 3 Councilor, replacing long-serving Councilor Sheri Moore who retired.

“I am ready to face our shared challenges with creativity, collaboration, and tenacity and I dedicate my service to all of Springfield,” said Springfield City Councilor Kori Rodley. “I believe together we can navigate these challenging times and build a future where we all belong.”

Rodley works as the Director of Equity & Engagement for United Way of Lane County. She has more than 25 years in nonprofit management and governmental experience. She has been active in the Springfield community for some time including serving on the Springfield Budget Committee and Springfield Utility Board Budget Committee. Rodley has also served as the Equity/Access Advisory Board Lane County (Chair); Community Development Block Grants Committee Community Service: Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, President; and Education Together Foundation Board of Directors Moving Springfield Forward Livable Neighborhoods.

Additionally, on January 4, City Council selected Councilor Steve Moe to serve as Council President.

A recording of the Council Swearing In is available on the City’s YouTube at https://youtube.com/c/SpringfieldOregon