The St. Louis Development Corporation's Board of Directors made a decisive move by appointing Otis Williams as the interim president and executive director. Williams, a seasoned veteran in urban development, returns to SLDC with 22 years of experience, having previously led the organization from 2013 to 2021. His return was announced yesterday by the city of St. Louis .

During his earlier tenure, Williams was at the forefront of transformative projects like Ballpark Village and Busch Stadium, making strides in the city's urban landscape. It was under his leadership that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency decided to keep its roots planted in St. Louis, with a new campus now standing in North St. Louis. Before his work in urban development, Williams carved out a notable military career, serving in the U.S. Army as a colonel and chief of staff in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, having worn the uniform for nearly three decades.

The shift at the top echelons of the SLDC is a mutual one, agreed between the board and Neal Richardson who, serving since 2021, has stepped down from the position. This changeover paves the way for the SLDC's continued impact in St. Louis, as Mayor Cara Spencer remarked on the leadership transition, acknowledging both the past president and the incoming one. "SLDC serves an important purpose in our community, and I am grateful that Otis Williams has agreed to serve once again while we look for new permanent leadership that will ensure growth and transparency," Mayor Spencer said in a statement, as reported by the city's official announcement.

Williams is stepping into a role, albeit temporarily, that promises to harness his vast experience in service of St. Louis's growth. The city, nesting on the western banks of the Mississippi, looks forward to a period of stability and continuity under Williams' interim guidance, echoing a strong sentiment for comprehensive development and transparency, as Mayor Spencer noted. It remains to be seen who will eventually fill the shoes of SLDC's leadership permanently, but for now, Williams' appointment is a testament to his enduring relevance and expertise in the field.