Upon returning to his hometown in 2013 as an underwriter for Affordable Equity Partners, Stephen Westbrooks told the St. Louis American, “St. Louis has a lot to offer.”
“It has a solid foundation and many interesting things that can grow from that.”
On Wednesday, Westbrooks was named president and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation. He will replace Otis Williams, who has been serving as interim president and CEO, and starts effective March 30.
Williams assumed the interim role after Neal Richardson left the position following the election of Mayor Cara Spencer.
Westbrooks joins SLDC from his role as executive director of IFF’s Southern Region, where he has worked for 10 years. He provides strategic leadership and managed operations, lending and consulting activities in Southern Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, overseeing more than $1 billion in total assets.
“I am honored to join the St. Louis Development Corporation and excited to work alongside the dedicated team and partners who are committed to making St. Louis a place of opportunity for all,” said Westbrooks.
“There’s great potential in St. Louis, and I look forward to collaborating with community stakeholders to drive meaningful change that will benefit everyone who calls this great city home.”
Spencer, who said during her successful campaign against incumbent Mayor Tishaura Jones that she would replace Richardson, said Westbrooks “brings a broad range of experience, including affordable housing development, corporate finance, and community development.”
“This moment calls for a balanced, consistent, and thoughtful approach to development. I fully trust him to help us create a clear, standardized incentive process that is transparent and predictable for developers and community alike.”
Nancy M. Hawes, chair of the SLDC board, said the organization is “thrilled to have Stephen join us as the new executive director.”
“His proven track record and vision for development will help lead SLDC as we continue to work toward making St. Louis a place of opportunity and prosperity for all.”