Branson Public Works/Engineering Director Keith Francis Retiring

The City of Branson is losing another longtime staff member to retirement.

Branson’s Public Works/Engineering Director, Keith Francis will step away from his position on March 17 after 13 years with the City, the last five as director. Francis also served in Public Works in the City of Springfield according to a release from the City. 

Francis is the second longtime department leader to announce their retirement as City Clerk Lisa Westfall announced her intentions to retire in February. Francis tells the Branson Tri-Lakes News that the timing of his retirement has nothing to do with any issues with City Officials, Administration, or the Board of Aldermen.

“The change in city leadership has absolutely nothing at all to do with my retirement,” Francis tells BTN News Reporter Jason Wert. “I heard rumors of that on the street. The aldermen, I feel have a good relationship with them, with the mayor, and with our new city administrator. The city of Branson is going in a positive direction.”

More on the story can be read on the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website while the complete release can be read below:

 Branson’s Public Works/Engineering Director, Keith Francis has announced that he will retire March 17, 2023.

Francis has worked for the City for 13 years. As director, he is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure, streets, and city buildings as well as storm sewer maintenance, pavement striping, winter weather operations and city vehicle and equipment maintenance. As part of the engineering division, he is responsible for traffic, in house engineering designs and numerous capital projects.

“Keith has displayed nothing but professionalism, work ethic and a positive ‘get ‘er done’ attitude while serving our community. It is time to wish him only the best in his well-deserved retirement chapter in his life. Thank you, Keith, from our entire community,” said Mayor Larry Milton.

Francis has worked on some of the city’s major projects which include the W. 76 Country Blvd. improvement project and the design of the new Fire Station #4 building.

“Keith’s fingerprints can be found all over the City as he has worked tirelessly on a wide range of projects that have significantly improved the lives of Branson’s residents and visitors,” said City Administrator Cathy Stepp. “I am grateful for his positive attitude, creative vision and collaboration that have moved our city forward. He will now have time to enjoy his new bass boat!” said Administrator Stepp.

Francis became the department director in 2018, after serving as the assistant director since 2010. Before coming to Branson he worked for the City of Springfield Public Works and Engineering department for 12 years and did private consulting before that. 

“During my 13 years with the City of Branson, I have been blessed to work with and alongside some of the best people I have known during my career. I never looked at it as them working for me. I always looked at it as working together as a team,” said Public Works/Engineering Director, Keith Francis. “The Mayor, Board of Aldermen and our City Administrator have been great to work with and I wish them all the best in leading the future of this great city. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life to spend more time with my wife, family and grandchildren,” Francis said.

Francis has worked for the City for 13 years. As director, he is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure, streets, and city buildings as well as storm sewer maintenance, pavement striping, winter weather operations and city vehicle and equipment maintenance. As part of the engineering division, he is responsible for traffic, in house engineering designs and numerous capital projects.

“Keith has displayed nothing but professionalism, work ethic and a positive ‘get ‘er done’ attitude while serving our community. It is time to wish him only the best in his well-deserved retirement chapter in his life. Thank you, Keith, from our entire community,” said Mayor Larry Milton.

Francis has worked on some of the city’s major projects which include the W. 76 Country Blvd. improvement project and the design of the new Fire Station #4 building.

“Keith’s fingerprints can be found all over the City as he has worked tirelessly on a wide range of projects that have significantly improved the lives of Branson’s residents and visitors,” said City Administrator Cathy Stepp. “I am grateful for his positive attitude, creative vision and collaboration that have moved our city forward. He will now have time to enjoy his new bass boat!” said Administrator Stepp.

Francis became the department director in 2018, after serving as the assistant director since 2010. Before coming to Branson he worked for the City of Springfield Public Works and Engineering department for 12 years and did private consulting before that. 

“During my 13 years with the City of Branson, I have been blessed to work with and alongside some of the best people I have known during my career. I never looked at it as them working for me. I always looked at it as working together as a team,” said Public Works/Engineering Director, Keith Francis. “The Mayor, Board of Aldermen and our City Administrator have been great to work with and I wish them all the best in leading the future of this great city. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life to spend more time with my wife, family and grandchildren,” Francis said.