Jason Hall, departing Greater St. Louis Inc. CEO, was never shy when speaking about the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity in the regional business community.
While speaking at the October 3, 2024, grand opening of the Harris-Stowe State University Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship building, Hall said the facility will “drive inclusive growth forward.”
“We are at a critical fork in the road. We have to get inclusion right in this region. This center represents what it means to tear down barriers.”
Greater St. Louis Inc. has announced that Hall, who often called equity and inclusion “our North Star,” is leaving his native St. Louis and role with GSL to take a similar position with the Columbus (Ohio) Partnership.
GSL Founding Chair and Executive Chair of Enterprise Mobility Andy Taylor called Hall, “a driving force in creating the GSL vision and enhancing our metro’s ability to compete with a unified voice to drive change and economic growth.”
“Jason has been a good friend and a tireless cheerleader for our region for many years, and we will miss him dearly,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.
“I wish Jason nothing but the best in his new endeavor and look forward to our continued partnership with Greater St. Louis, Inc. as they transition to new leadership.”
“Jason Hall has been a pivotal partner for the St. Louis Development Corporation during his tenure at Greater St. Louis Inc.,” said SLDC CEO and President Neal Richardson. “Jason’s commitment to the region helped the City of St. Louis attract and keep businesses.”
“Jason worked hard to create a unified vision of what the future of this great region should look like,” said St. Louis County Executive Sam Page in a statement.
“Focusing on growing the economy and creating a more welcoming environment for businesses and residents.”
GSL Founding Chair and Executive Chair of Enterprise Mobility Andy Taylor called Hall, “a driving force in creating the GSL vision and enhancing our metro’s ability to compete with a unified voice to drive change and economic growth.”
“Under his leadership, GSL has put major wins on the board and, in just four short years, is already recognized by our peers as a best-in-class organization.”
Among Hall’s achievements was fostering creation of the STL 2030 Progress Tool, which has the respective goals of increasing the income disparity between Black and white households and increasing Black home ownership.
The online tool was unveiled by Greater St. Louis Inc. during its first Inclusive Economic Growth Summit on Sept. 21, 2023.
Hall said his organization “is focused on getting the region growing again and doing so in a way that ensures everyone in the metro has the opportunity to thrive.”
According to Hall, “[It’s] broad-based economic growth that enables all stakeholders in the St. Louis metropolitan area (including residents, workers, entrepreneurs, companies, organizations, and communities) to realize their full potential. Such growth enables the widest range of people and places to both contribute to and benefit from economic success.”
“Inclusive growth aims to produce more prosperity alongside greater equity in opportunities and outcomes by substantially increasing the number of quality jobs and radically reducing racial and spatial disparities in income, health, and wealth that have undermined metropolitan performance for decades.”
Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s board of directors will conduct a national search to find a new CEO. While the search is underway, Chief Real Estate Investment Officer Dustin Allision will serve as the interim CEO.