Gregory C. Tally has been appointed by Mayor Misty Buscher as executive director of Oak Ridge Cemetery. Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most-visited cemetery in the nation with almost 1 million visitors entering the cemetery annually. Tally will oversee the educational programs, engagement and maintenance of the approximately 180 acres of property.
Tally, who was previously vice president of mortgage lending at Marine Bank, has an associate degree in mortuary and funeral science and a bachelor's in health care administration. Tally spent the past 13 years at Marine Bank and worked as a mortgage loan originator for National City Bank for 11 years prior to that.
“Tally is committed to upholding the high standards of Oak Ridge Cemetery and ensuring that all visitors receive the utmost care and attention. We are confident that Tally's leadership will guide the department to new heights,” Buscher said in a written statement.
Tally will succeed Michael Lelys, who Buscher appointed as the interim director following the termination of Lashonda Fitch. Lelys served as the Oak Ridge Cemetery director from 2009 until his retirement in 2019. Tally's appointment is still subject to approval by the Springfield City Council.
