President and Chief Executive Officer

Background:

Executive Bridge has been retained to assist St. Louis Development Corporation (“SLDC”) (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/) in recruiting its new President and CEO (“CEO”) to replace its highly respected leader, Otis Williams, who is acting as the interim CEO. Founded in 1988, SLDC is an umbrella, not-for-profit corporation with the mission of fostering economic development and growth in the City of St. Louis, Missouri (the “City”) and accelerating the City’s economic agenda, expanding its tax base, and addressing current and historic disparities through economic initiatives. This CEO position is responsible for the staff support of ten separate economic development boards. SLDC does not receive allocated funds from the City’s general budget. SLDC’s sources of revenue come entirely from federal grants, transactional incentive-based fees, real estate sales and leases, parking fees, donations and partnerships. 

SLDC’s typical administrative budget is approximately $15MM, and its program budget ranges from $10MM to $26MM depending on project-related grants. SLDC is organized into seven functional groups: Strategic Growth and Development, Small Business Growth and Development, Real Estate Development, Incentives, New Market Tax Credits, Neighborhood Transformation, and ARPA Compliance. The CEO leads approximately 109 total budgeted staff for FY 2026 with a senior leadership team of approximately 15 members. 

SLDC has operated with ARPA funds since the pandemic which allowed it to expand its capacity. As these funds are expended within the required deadline of the end of CY 2026, SLDC will need to reorient elements of its programmatic operations to review staff positions to align with a more traditional (non-ARPA enhanced) budget.  

Over five years ago, SLDC completed a planning process which connects people, neighborhoods, and jobs to provide opportunity for growth and investment on equitable basis across the entire City. SLDC operates in alignment with the Economic Justice Action Plan which provides the current framework for the activities of SLDC. In addition, given the significant damage to much of the City from the destructive tornado in May 2025, there is needed focus on the immediate restoration of the areas which were hardest hit. This position works under the direction of the SLDC board of directors which is comprised of nine people – the chairs of two Aldermanic committees, the chairs of six of the economic development authorities SLDC supports, and a Chair of the Board appointed by the Mayor (the “SLDC Board”), and liaises regularly with the economic development staff in the Mayor’s Office and other City agencies.  

Responsibilities and Expectations:

As a proven community leader and collaborator, this dynamic and charismatic CEO will be the highly visible face of economic development for SLDC and the City. The CEO position is appointed by the SLDC Board upon recommendation from the Mayor. The CEO provides direction and leadership toward the development and achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual and long-range goals and objectives. The CEO works collaboratively with the Office of the Mayor, the Board of Aldermen, and other key stakeholders in commerce, economic development, and governmental organizations for the collective good of the region, navigating competing demands to ensure positive results. In addition, the CEO will be adept at

recruiting, managing, and motivating a large staff within a complex organizational structure. Measures of success will include leading and managing the following:

1. Lead SLDC and economic development and growth through national, regional, and local opportunities and developments. 
2. Key measures outlined in the Economic Justice Action Plan.
3. Positive and consistent promotion of SLDC through media and communications. 
4. Outstanding relationships with key private and institutional stakeholders including community leaders, major employers, hospital and university anchors, major developers, site selectors, and other regional partners. 
5. Key high-profile projects as the lead negotiator requiring a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
6. Consensus building to achieve political and community support to implement and advance sound economic development policies.
7. Taking complex political issues and objectively distilling them into decision points, including financial analysis of economic development and decisions.

The successful candidate will be an unquestioned leader whose career demonstrates proven experience and track record with driving economic development, and who will have qualifications that include the following:

• Management of a P&L of $5MM or greater in an organization of comparable size and scope.
• Master’s Degree or comparable degree in business, law, urban planning, government/political science, finance or similar/related field. Related certifications such as AICP, CEcD, EDFP are a plus.
• Substantial economic development experience with a strong knowledge of economic development tools and incentives, including tax increment financing (TIF), bonds, incentive negotiations, federal and state grant programs, and private sector financing.
• Development and rebuilding experience following a natural disaster is a plus.
• A keen focus on and experience in development and support of the City’s neighborhoods, and the application of development tools and incentives in an equitable manner.
• Engage in successful use of consensus-building and collaboration. Must be balanced in approach, develop relationships with elected officials, and have proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with.
• Proactive leadership skills and ability to articulate organizational mission and purpose to, and work with, a wide variety of constituent groups. Experienced and effective public speaker. Ability to navigate complex and sensitive political issues.
• Sound strategic thinking and the ability to bring creativity and innovation to the implementation of a strategy. Considered and thoughtful in approach and decision-making.
• Experience working with a board of directors is essential.
• Senior-level management professional with experience including general administration, budget and finance, staff recruitment, technology, and fund development.
• Defining characteristics: a charismatic and persuasive manner; passion for making a positive difference in the City; unquestioned integrity and a strong critical thinker with an ability to anticipate, identify, and solve problems.
• Knowledge of the greater St. Louis area considered a plus. The CEO is encouraged to be a resident of the City and therefore lead by example.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation and benefit package available.

Respond:

All candidates should submit a resume and supporting documentation to:

ckohlbry@executivebridge.com

sykesm@stlouis-mo.gov

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
St. Louis Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran's status or marital status.

Salary : $225,000 - $285,000