Nathan Pare no longer employed as St. Joseph director of planning and community development

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- City officials confirmed a key department director at City Hall is no longer employed after being hired last July.

Planning and Community Development Director Nathan Pare is no longer employed with the City of St. Joseph, a city spokesperson confirmed to News-Press NOW on Monday.

The city said it is now evaluating its next steps in wake of the move.

It's unclear if the move was a voluntary decision or if it was initiated by the City. Pare was hired last July to lead the department after the City parted ways with longtime director Clint Thompson, who had previously served as director from 2001 to 2025.

Plans Review Coordinator Dale Reuter has been tapped as interim Planning and Community Development director following the change.

Pare came out of retirement to take the director's position in St. Joseph in late July 2025 after a near 30-year career working in Kansas City, including experience as a division manager and experience working in code enforcement, demolition and property management.

The Planning and Community Development Department is the lead agency for both physical and economic development of the City of St. Joseph, with staff reviewing all residential and commercial development plans, zoning and subdivision platting and long range planning for the city.