Ricky Eilerman A Mayor Rooted in Community
Ricky Eilerman- A Mayor Rooted in Community
Story by Cindy Reid | Photography by Thomas Reimer
For Mayor Ricky Eilerman, the path to city hall wasn’t paved with political ambition; it was a matter of answering a call. The position was open with no takers when Eilerman was approached to run unopposed.
“I had no intention of running,” he says. “But when the time came and no one stepped up, I thought—if not me, then who?” After praying on the decision and consulting his wife, Ricky realized that if he wanted to see Springfield grow the right way, he had to be part of the growth rather than part of the problem. That simple decision reflects the way he leads today: grounded, approachable, and willing to step in where needed.
Built on a Strong Foundation
As mayor Ricky is there to support the team that was already in place, ensuring that the momentum behind Springfield’s revitalization stays on track. He is quick to point out that Springfield’s progress didn’t start with him. “I can’t take credit for what Springfield has become,” he says. “People like James Carlson, Jimmy Moncrief, Dee Moncrief, and the leaders before them laid the groundwork. They saw the potential when others didn’t and started bringing this town back to life.” That legacy is something he’s committed to continuing—not changing.
He emphasizes the strength of the current leadership team. “I’m proud of the people we have in place,” says Ricky. “Lauren Eargle, Erin Phillips, and Jennifer Smith work incredibly hard. We wouldn’t have the city we have without them. “The council itself, he says, is the right mix. “We’ve got some seasoned members and some newer ones. That combination of experience and fresh ideas is exactly what you want.”
For Ricky, leadership isn’t abstract—it’s personal. “I’m a business owner. I’m a real estate broker. What affects this city affects me,” he explains. “Several of us on council own businesses—some of us multiple. So when we talk about fees, development, or growth, we feel it too. That makes us think deeper about every decision.”
Talk to the Mayor
Ricky embraces the everyday side of the job. “I love when people stop me in the street,” he says. “Ask questions. Talk to me. I may not make every decision—we’re a council-led city—but I can help point people in the right direction or be their voice when needed.” He’s just as quick to credit the full team behind the scenes. “We’ve got a great police chief, an incredible fire department, and strong leadership throughout the city. It takes all of them.”
Growing the Right Way
Growth is coming to Springfield—but Ricky is focused on doing it right.
“I understand why people worry about growth. I used to feel the same way,” he says. “But it’s going to happen. The key is doing it responsibly. “That means balance.
The mayor views his approach like flipping a historic house—you respect the solid foundation and character that’s already there, but you update the "electrical and plumbing" to meet the needs of today. It’s not about erasing the past; it’s about a modern renovation. He believes Springfield is ready for a responsible evolution. His vision for Springfield is about economic growth and keeping residents' tax dollars local.
While the Highway 21 corridor is the appropriate place for commercial chains and heavy development, he is committed to keeping the downtown area historic and authentic. Ricky points to The Railyard project as the gold standard for this vision—taking something existing and revitalizing it into a vibrant community space without losing the city's soul.
“We want to keep our downtown humble and full of character. We want our highway corridor to stay convenient. And we want to make sure we’re building a city that works for everyone—especially seniors and those with disabilities.”
He also addresses the reality of business development.
“We can’t pick and choose who opens what. That wouldn’t be fair. What we can do is set standards and conditions that protect the city and make sure growth benefits everyone. It’s about consistency, not favoritism. “By allowing upscale projects, the city can attract a new demographic and provide the amenities people currently leave town to find. For Ricky, there is a responsible way to modernize: follow the rules, maintain order, and ensure that the results create and sustain a vibrant, functional home for everyone.
A Town That Feels Like Something Special
Springfield is more than just where he works—it’s where life happens. “I love walking my dog down Laurel Street in the morning and seeing people wave,” he says. “I love that folks stop for pedestrians. I love walking into a coffee shop and they know your name.”
He smiles when describing the energy downtown. “You’ll see families gathering at Moncrief Square, the Railyard, or District Square for a meal. You’ll see kids riding scooters, parents walking with their kids, people window shopping. It really does feel like something out of Mayberry.”
Springfield isn’t just a hometown—it’s becoming a destination. Being just 25 miles from the hustle of downtown Savannah puts Springfield in a unique sweet spot. While Savannah faces rapid expansion and urban density, Springfield has become the go-to escape for those looking to retreat from the overflow.
The mayor sees this proximity as a primary driver for the city's current momentum. People aren't just moving here to sleep; they are coming because Springfield is creating its own identity. By maintaining its small-town charm while aggressively pursuing new initiatives, Springfield offers a refuge for those who want to get out of the growth of the big city without losing access to modern amenities. It’s about being close enough to the action to be convenient, but far enough away to remain a distinct, vibrant community.
“I love when people come stay at Airbnbs here and end up extending their stay because they’re enjoying the city so much,” he says. “That tells you everything.”
Even bigger names are starting to take notice.
“We’re fortunate that the Mars Theatre can bring in some big acts, and they don’t just perform—they stay and enjoy the city. Billy Bob Thornton stayed at my Airbnb. Tiffany did, and members of the band Lonestar. That’s pretty special for a town our size.”
Supporting Local, Building Community
As treasurer of the Downtown Development Authority, Ricky is deeply involved in supporting local businesses. “We help people take their ideas and turn them into something real—finding spaces, creating opportunities, promoting what they’re building.” And what’s being built is something unique.
“We’re like an antique store mecca,” he says. “You can get your haircut in several places, grab great food all over town, visit attorneys, insurance offices, a flower shop, alteration services, photography studios, ice cream shops—I can’t even name everyone. But I’m proud of every single one of them.”
Family at the Core
Despite everything on his plate, Ricky is clear about what matters most. “The main character in my story isn’t me—it’s my wife, Ivy,” he says. “She pushes me, supports me, and keeps me going.” Together, they’ve built businesses, raised a family, and continue investing in Springfield—including new ventures like an upcoming restaurant. “I’m lucky. Not everyone gets to work alongside their spouse and enjoy it, but I do.”
Community Engagement
Ricky stays grounded. “I’m not the perfect person for this job,” he says. “But I’m going to do everything I can to do it justice. “He reflects on advice that shaped him: “Dee Moncrief once told me, ‘You can’t complain if you’re not involved—be part of the solution.’ That stuck with me.”
One thing that surprised him most about politics? “A lot of what people hear isn’t the full story,” he says. “If you want facts, come to the meetings. They’re public. Our workshops are public. We promote them because we want people involved.”
He’s direct about community engagement. “The same people who complain online are often the ones we don’t see in the room. We want them there. We need their voices. If decisions are being made for you, you should be part of it.”
Experience Springfield
At the end of the day, the message is simple and genuine. “Come see Springfield,” he says. “Come to First Friday. Come to our Fall Festival. Pack the streets with us.” He pauses, then adds: “Visit our parks. Eat in our restaurants. Shop in our stores. Meet our people. You’re going to love it. “If you already live here, “keep showing up. This city belongs to all of us.”
And if you happen to see Ricky riding around downtown on his kids scooter with a cigar and a grin, wave, chat or just smile back. That’s Springfield’s mayor, and biggest booster, Ricky Eilerman.
Ricky Eilerman is the Realtor® Assoc. Broker/Owner of Coast & Country Real Estate Experts. He and his wife Ivy connect people with homes new and old while renovating and revitalizing downtown Springfield through their real estate projects, such as The Railyard.
