Val Yazell to retire from city of Springfield

Director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development will retire on Dec. 31.

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Val Yazell to retire from city of Springfield

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF SPRINGFIELD

Val Yazell, the director of the city of Springfield's Office of Planning and Economic Development, will retire on Dec. 31.

Yazell was first appointed interim OPED director by then-Mayor Jim Langfelder in 2017. She was initially hired as a contract employee but later became a full-time employee. Langfelder terminated her employment in March 2021. He didn't specify why, but Illinois Times reported at the time of Yazell’s termination that she had recently clashed with the mayor when it came to funding for repairs to a building for the Springfield NAACP at 801 S. 11th St.

Misty Buscher, who defeated Langfelder in April 2023, rehired Yazell as interim director of OPED, which later became a permanent appointment.

Image: Val Yazell returns to city government

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In a written statement issued by the city, Buscher expressed her gratitude for Yazell's service, stating: "Val's leadership has been instrumental in preparing Springfield for future success. Her dedication to economic growth and community development has made a lasting impression on our city. On behalf of the city of Springfield, I thank her for her invaluable service and wish her the best in her retirement."

In the same statement, Yazell said: "Serving the city of Springfield has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I believe the city is well-positioned for ongoing growth. I look forward to watching Springfield flourish in the years ahead."

Yazell, 73 has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and taught kindergarten at one point. She owned a bridal shop in the 1980s and 1990s and more recently operated her own consulting company, working with small, independent businesses.