St. Louis, MO (March 4, 2026) — On Wednesday, the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) selected Stephen Westbrooks as the next president and CEO of SLDC.
Westbrooks has an extensive background in community development finance, real estate, and economic development. Most recently, he served as an executive leader guiding capital strategies within a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), managing over $1 billion in total assets.
He also serves and has served on several boards and councils, such as the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway Foundation, and Tower Grove Park. Westbrooks is a St. Louis native. He earned his MBA from Washington University in St.
Louis. “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.”
“Stephen’s years of experience and commitment to community make him an excellent person to lead SLDC into the future,” said interim President and CEO Otis Williams. “I’m looking forward to seeing Stephen advance economic development priorities in the city.”
“This moment calls for a balanced, consistent, and thoughtful approach to development,” said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. “Stephen brings a broad range of experience, including affordable housing development, corporate finance, and community development, and I fully trust him to help us create a clear, standardized incentive process that is transparent and predictable for developers and the community alike.”
“We are thrilled to have Stephen join us as the new Executive Director,” said Nancy M. Hawes, Chairperson of the SLDC Board of Directors and the Search Committee. “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.”
Westbrooks will leave his role as executive director of IFF’s Southern Region, where he worked for 10 years. Westbrooks was responsible for providing strategic leadership and managing operations, lending, and consulting activities in Southern Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. Westbrooks is expected to start as president and CEO on March 30, 2026.
About St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri. It is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop, and transform St. Louis through a vibrant, just, and growing economy where all people can thrive. Learn more at developstlouis.org.
