Image
Key Points About Ron Kitchens
- Nationally recognized economic development leader with three decades of experience in multiple states
- Currently leads the Wichita Falls, Texas, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he spearheaded the three largest private-sector investments in city history
- Missouri native & Missouri State University graduate with deep-rooted connections to St. Louis
ST. LOUIS – After an extensive national search, Greater St. Louis, Inc. today announced Ron Kitchens as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kitchens – a native of Ozark, Missouri – comes to GSL from Wichita Falls, Texas, where he serves as President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has more than three decades of economic development experience working with organizations in Michigan, Texas, Alabama, and Missouri.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ron back to Missouri and look forward to the impact he will have on the St. Louis region,” said Andrew C. Taylor, Executive Chairman of Enterprise Mobility and Founding Chair of GSL. “Ron is a proven leader who has the strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep passion required to lead Greater St. Louis, Inc. into our next chapter.”
About Ron Kitchens
Kitchens is a nationally recognized leader with a strong track record of success in economic development, public-private partnerships, and organizational revitalization. In Wichita Falls, Kitchens spearheaded the three largest private-sector investments in city history, projected to generate a fivefold expansion of the local tax base.
He also made a significant impact in his fifteen years with Southwest Michigan First, where he repositioned the region into a model for innovation, collaboration, and investor-led community leadership. A champion for collaborative economic development, Kitchens co-founded Consultant Connect, the nation’s largest economic development consulting firm and founder of the annual awards that recognize North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.
As a native Missourian and the husband of a St. Louisan, Kitchens has deep-rooted connections to the St. Louis community. He is a graduate of Missouri State University, worked as a staffer for former U.S. Senator John Danforth and is a thought leader, acclaimed speaker, and the author of two books. He and his wife Lyn have one grown daughter.
“Over the course of my career, I have had the honor of helping communities rediscover hope, reignite growth, and reimagine what is possible,” said Kitchens. “St. Louis is near and dear to my heart, and I am excited to play a role in building a prosperous future for this region.”
St. Louis is Poised to Take Next Step in Its Growth
Since its formation in 2021, GSL has worked to bring St. Louis’ business and civic communities together to drive inclusive economic growth. While the work is only beginning, there have been several significant wins in the region recently that show St. Louis is poised to take the next step, including growth in GDP, personal income, and jobs that elevate the region’s position in national rankings.
To sustain its positive economic momentum, GSL is focused on:
- Attracting new investment and growing jobs and population across the fifteen-county bi-state St. Louis region.
- Supporting the transformation of St. Louis Lambert International Airport into a world-class destination.
- Revitalizing Downtown into the thriving, vibrant, and safe neighborhood at the heart of the region.
Next Steps
Kitchens will begin working at GSL in early November of this year. Dustin Allison, GSL’s Chief Real Estate Investment Officer has served as Interim CEO since December 2024.
“We want to thank Dustin for stepping in as our interim CEO,” said Taylor. “His commitment to GSL and to St. Louis are unmatched, and we are truly and deeply grateful for his leadership during this period of transition.”
Media Contact:
Tony Wyche | 314-398-9991 | Tony@GreaterSTLinc.com