ST. LOUIS – A major leadership shakeup at the St. Louis Development Corporation took place Thursday.
Neal Richardson, the group’s president and CEO, mutually parted ways with the organization and Mayor Cara Spencer’s administration. Richardson was previously appointed under former mayor Tishaura Jones.
The St. Louis Development Corporation is the independent economic development agency serving the city of St. Louis.
On Thursday, the SLDC Board of Directors also voted to elect former SLDC President and CEO Otis Williams to both roles on an interim basis. His interim tenure begins Friday.
Richardson, following his resignation, said he’s proud of the work his office provided and hopes it continues.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the board over the past couple years. It’s been an honor and a privilege as a resident of the city of St. Louis. As a born and raised citizen of the city of St. Louis, I was honored to sit in that position and to be able to move our work forward.”
Rasheen Aldridge, Ward 14 Alderman for the City of St. Louis, shared the following statement, in part, on Richardson’s resignation:
“Today is a disappointing day for our community and for the city as a whole. The St. Louis Development Corporation’s Board of Directors has made the decision to release Neal Richardson, a dedicated leader who has tirelessly worked to foster development and economic growth in our city, particularly in North St. Louis.”
“His dedication and vision have laid a strong foundation for future growth, and his departure is a huge blow to the ongoing efforts to transform North St. Louis into a thriving and vibrant community.”
“We must now rally around the new leadership and remain committed to our shared goal of a prosperous, inclusive city. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the profound impact Neal Richardson has had and the disappointment we all feel in this unexpected development.”
Greater St. Louis, Inc. Interim CEO Dustin Allison issued the following statement on the appointment of Otis Williams and resignation of Richardson:
“We have to get the City of St. Louis growing again, and the appointment of Otis Williams is an excellent step by Mayor Cara Spencer and the SLDC board to help us achieve this mission.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Otis for years and know that he brings not only decades of experience to the position, but a lifetime of commitment and service to the improvement of our community. We look forward to partnering with Otis and SLDC to advance development projects critical to the growth of the City, particularly in disinvested communities in North and Southeast St. Louis and in Downtown.
“We also want to express our appreciation to Neal Richardson for his leadership of SLDC. Leading the City’s development efforts coming out of the pandemic was no easy task, and he deserves our thanks and appreciation for his work to move the City forward.”