The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield has appointed Dori Grinder as Executive Officer, according to Travis Miller, President of the HBA Board of Directors and President/Owner of Travis Miller Homes, LLC.
Grinder, who most recently held the position of Vice President Membership Development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, comes to the HBA with more than a decade of hands-on experience in organizational leadership. As the former Executive Director of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, Grinder developed third-party partnerships with businesses and utility providers, created a capital campaign that raised $200K in cash and in-kind donations, and launched the Carl G. Hefner Enterprise Center. In addition to her extensive organizational experience, Grinder rebranded the Ozark Chamber of Commerce with a new logo, website, and member directory and subsequently implemented a targeted PR strategy that increased membership by 130% and revenue by 315%. During her career, Grinder has recruited and managed 10-12 Chamber of Commerce committees comprised of nearly 200 volunteer business leaders. She has also held positions with 417 Magazine & Whitaker Publishing, KOLR and KSFX.
Grinder received a B.A. in Communications from the University of Missouri. She received the Greater Ozarks Leadership Development Gold Scholarship from Missouri State University in 2012 and was recognized by the Springfield Business Journal in 2011 as one of the “40 Under 40” and in 2013 as one of the “20 Most Influential Women” in the business community.
In his recommendation of Grinder for the position he once held at the HBA, Matt Morrow, CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce said, “Dori is a gifted collaborator, communicator, and leader, and she is an excellent choice to serve as the next Executive Officer of the HBA. She understands the needs of entrepreneurs and job creators, and she knows how to support those needs at the association level. That’s a big part of what made her so effective as a part of our team at the Springfield Chamber, and, before that, as director of the Ozark Chamber. Our members love her, and I’m confident HBA members will too.”
According to Miller, the decision to hire Grinder was unanimous.
“The HBA Search Committee, comprised of current and past members of the HBA Board of Directors and representatives from the community, received in excess of 100 resumes from around the country,” he said. “With excellent assistance from Dan Prater, Senior Managing Consultant with BKD, we conducted numerous Zoom and in-person interviews. 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. Under her leadership, we look forward to an innovative future for our members and the communities we serve.”
The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is the voice and advocate for construction professionals leading the way to protect and promote housing and preserve the American dream of home ownership. The HBA is a professional trade association whose members are committed to ethical business practices, the highest construction standards, the education of its members and the community, and to serving as the political voice of the industry.
The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is dedicated to excellence and advancement of the residential construction industry, its members, and the communities they serve. The organization’s many values include the following:
- Promoting ethical business practices
- Honoring member-driven priorities
- Educating members and the community
- Exercising responsible stewardship
- Serving as a proactive industry advocate
- Serving as a professional resource for HBA members and the community
- Recognizing and motivating HBA members
Additionally, the HBA of Greater Springfield takes great care to make sure its members are held to the highest standard of professionalism. Members must keep record of general liability and workers’ compensation (if required by Missouri State law) insurance on file at the HBA office, for the protection of their customers. Potential HBA members must also have a grade of a “B” or better with the Better Business Bureau.
The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield was chartered 1954. Since that date, the Association as enjoyed continued growth and expansion as it strives to assist and promote the building industry on the local level. The local association is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) with headquarters in Washington, DC.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work for such a well-respected organization in our community,” said Dori Grinder regarding her appointment. “The HBA has a strong team and I look forward to working with the members, Board of Directors and staff.”
The HBA of Greater Springfield is home to approximately 400 members, representing builders, developers, remodelers, and associates in all areas of the residential construction and housing industries.