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Kost, currently the head of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, “will help continue the resurgence we are building here,” says GSL’s Hall
Will be first woman to lead business attraction efforts for the St. Louis metro
Greater St. Louis, Inc. announced today that Maggie Kost, who currently leads the Missouri Department of Economic Development, has been named its new Chief Business Attraction Officer. Kost will lead the organization’s efforts to attract national and international businesses to St. Louis. Kost brings over a decade of experience in economic development to the role.
“Maggie Kost is one of the rising stars in economic development across the country with a strong track record of performance, and her experience and strong relationships here in the St. Louis metro and across the country will help continue the resurgence we are building here,” said Jason Hall, Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO. “Maggie is also a friend and longtime colleague with whom our team has worked. She is a perfect fit for Greater St. Louis, Inc., and the right person to take our business attraction efforts to the next level.”
“I believe in the vision and mission of Greater St. Louis, Inc. Having a unified business voice for the bi-state St. Louis metro is driving major change and advancing the region’s business attraction efforts in a global arena,” said Kost, who will officially join Greater St. Louis, Inc. in late June. “I am so proud to be part of the GSL team and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work advancing inclusive economic growth for the entire bi-state region.”
As the head of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Kost served in the Cabinet of Missouri Governor Mike Parson and oversaw the agency responsible for attracting new capital investment and jobs to the state.
“While she will be missed in state government, we are excited not only for Maggie and this great opportunity for her, but also for the St. Louis region and the State of Missouri,” said Governor Parson. “Her leadership at DED helped our state continue to drive economic success and attract new businesses, and we have the utmost confidence in her ability to help Greater St. Louis, Inc. in its mission to advance growth for St. Louis. Teresa and I thank Maggie for her service to Missourians and do so knowing that she will continue to do great thing for St. Louis and the entire State of Missouri.”
At the Department of Economic Development, Kost oversaw 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 Missouri, including American Foods Group and James Hardie. Under Kost’s leadership, Missouri rose to number 4 in new manufacturing facilities, nationally.
“Maggie Kost brings tremendous experience and a broad set of skills to help Greater St. Louis, Inc. continue to drive growth,” said David P. Smith, Founder and CEO of HRS, Inc., a leading national executive search firm, which has worked with Greater St. Louis, Inc. “I’ve worked for years in markets across the country, and it is significant to note that she will be part of an exciting and emerging group of women thought leaders who are responsible for business attraction efforts for a major metro.” Kost will be the first woman to lead business attraction for the St. Louis metro.
“Maggie has a passion for the state of Missouri and the St. Louis region,” said Rodney Crim, CEO and President of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. “We look forward to collaborating with her to continue the momentum the St. Louis region is building in business attraction, retention, and expansion.”
Steven Pearce, who has served as GSL’s Chief Business Attraction Officer, is returning to the Charlotte area due to a family health issue.
“There’s something really special building in St. Louis and I am proud to have been a part of it,” said Pearce. “I have had the privilege of working with Maggie Kost and know that she brings the skills, strategies, and contacts to the table to close major deals and keep St. Louis’ momentum going.”
Kost was raised in Godfrey, Illinois, graduated from Seton Hall University, and served with AmeriCorps in the St. Louis Public Schools.
"The addition of Maggie Kost to the Greater St. Louis team is an excellent choice and will help add to the organization's momentum. We have been impressed by Ms. Kost’s strength in relationship building and her ability to collaborate between business and government officials,” said Steve Van Lannen, President and COO of American Foods Group, LLC. “Congratulations to Maggie Kost and the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Team."
Added Steve Smith, Founder and CEO of the Lawrence Group and New + Found: “I am a big fan of Maggie. She was a true partner in our efforts to develop the City Foundry and has shown tremendous leadership during her tenure with the Department of Economic Development. We are looking forward to working with her as we continue to revitalize St. Louis.”