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Maggie Kost, Chief Business Attraction Officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc., has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International, a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Pace, Inc, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.
"Economic development is a purpose-driven field that shapes communities worldwide, and young professionals are at the heart of that impact," said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. "These 40 rising stars are driving change through their innovation, commitment, and leadership. Their contributions are already making a difference, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the industry in the years to come."
“This award makes clear what everyone who has ever worked with her already knows: Maggie Kost is a rising national star in economic development, and we are tremendously lucky to have her leading our efforts to attract businesses and investment to St. Louis,” said Dustin Allison, GSL Interim CEO. “Maggie’s work is pivotal to continuing the resurgence we are building here, and we are pleased to see the international economic development community recognize her talent.”
In her first 18 months as Chief Business Attraction Officer for GSL, Kost has helped companies bring more than 1,200 new jobs and over $2.5 billion in capital investment to the St. Louis region. These projects included a half-billion-dollar new advanced manufacturing facility on St. Louis’ North Riverfront, helping to grow a company working on treatments for Alzheimer’s, and several others across the St. Louis region.
“I am incredibly grateful to be included among such esteemed honorees,” Kost said. “There are so many mentors and teammates that have helped me along the way. Economic development is truly a team sport, and I’m so fortunate to have always been part of amazing teams.”
Prior to joining GSL, Kost served as the head of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. At DED, Kost managed the rollout of more than half a billion dollars in economic recovery funding and led teams working business attraction and expansion projects that generated over 13,000 new jobs and $4.7 billion in private capital investment in the state, including American Foods Group and James Hardie. Under Kost’s leadership, Missouri rose to number four in new manufacturing facilities, nationally.
Kost was raised in Godfrey, Illinois, graduated from Seton Hall University, and served with AmeriCorps in the St. Louis Public Schools.
As the economic development industry continues to evolve, these emerging leaders are rising to meet new challenges with expertise and innovation," said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Pace, Inc. "Congratulations to this year’s 40 honorees—your leadership is making a lasting impact on both your communities and the industry at large.
Award winners were recently announced at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.
For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit https://aboutdci.com/insights/40-under-40/.
Maggie Kost’s head shot is available here.