At the Greene County Republican Central Committee’s statutory reorganization meeting on August 18, longtime chair Danette Proctor announced she would not seek another term. Proctor, who has led the committee since 2007, said a personal project was demanding her full attention.
New leadership slate
The committee voted on a single slate of officers. Brent Johnson, the county’s elected assessor, was nominated for chair by school‑board member Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani. Johnson said he was asked to serve and did not actively pursue the position. He called Proctor for counsel before accepting the role.
Also on the slate were Theresa Saunders as vice‑chair, Christine Vande Griend as secretary, and incumbent treasurer Justin Hill, who will continue as the committee’s treasurer. With 92 of the 95 committee members present, the slate passed on a voice vote, though a small faction voiced opposition.
Committee duties and broader context
By county bylaws, the chair can employ an office manager and is responsible for maintaining order at meetings. Both the chair and vice‑chair also sit on the party’s congressional, senatorial and judicial committees for the district.
Commissioner Bob Dixon, who supported Proctor’s 2024 re‑election, addressed the gathering before the vote. He urged unity, asking members to drop the “RINO” label and focus on common goals ahead of the November 3 general election. Dixon praised Proctor as a “political mother” and called for forgiveness and cooperation among Republicans.
Past challenges and future goals
In 2024, former Springfield Board of Education member Steve Makoski challenged Proctor but was defeated, receiving 22 votes to Proctor’s 51. Makoski’s 2024 bid was motivated by a desire to see the central committee more involved in local school board and city‑council races. Although the committee’s endorsements of Kelly Byrne and David Myers in the 2025 Springfield Board of Education race did not result in victories, Makoski remains hopeful that the new leadership will advance those outreach efforts.
The Greene County Democratic Central Committee is also holding a reorganization meeting, with chair Lanae Gillespie indicating she will step down.
What’s next
Johnson’s tenure begins as the county GOP prepares for the upcoming midterm elections. The committee will focus on candidate support, voter outreach, and maintaining party unity across Greene County’s municipalities, including Springfield and surrounding towns.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
