BLOOMFIELD — Richland R1 School District Superintendent Frank Killian has been named the new Stoddard County EMA director effective Sept. 1.
Killian, who serves as an alderman for the city of Dexter, replaces Kent Polsgrove who had been the emergency management agency director since Dec. 1, 2010.
Polsgrove will work closely with Killian to allow for an easier transition.
Polsgrove, who was a school administrator like Killian, announced last December his intention to step down in 2020.
The commissioners sought a candidate with a similar background to Polsgrove’s. Associate commissioners Carol Jarrell and Steve Jordan reached out to school districts in the county to see if they had any retired or soon-to-be retired administrators who might be a good fit for the job.
Three candidates were presented to the commission, but Killian was deemed the most qualified.
“Frank had the experience in grant righting,” presiding commission Danny Talkington said. “He knew what to do in an emergency in a school system. His background was similar to Kent’s.”
Talkington said Killian has experience with multiple school systems and in city government.”