Neal Richardson is out as St. Louis Development Corp., president and executive director. He will be replaced on an interim basis by former SLDC leader Otis Williams.

The SLDC board of directors and Richardson came to an agreement on his departure.

“Today marks the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. As I step down from my role as President & CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation, I do so filled with deep gratitude, pride, and hope,” Richardson said.

“Together, we’ve not only redefined what economic development can be—we’ve set a new standard for what it must be. Through the Economic Justice Action Plan, we brought a bold, unapologetic focus to equity, investing in people, places, and systems that have long been excluded from opportunity. And the results speak for themselves. It truly has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

“I extend my deepest thanks to former Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, whose vision and support made this work possible, and I offer my full encouragement and prayers for Mayor Cara Spencer as she leads our city forward. Her success will be St. Louis’ success—and I trust in your continued commitment to help her achieve it.”

Spencer said, “I want to thank Neal Richardson for his service to SLDC and the City of St. Louis.”

“Williams brings significant experience to the position, having worked at SLDC for 22 years and served as president and executive director from 2013 to 2021.”

Among his accomplishments, according to Spencer’s release, were the development of Ballpark Village, Busch Stadium, and Cortex.

“He was instrumental in keeping the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, leading to the construction of the federal agency’s new campus in North St. Louis.”

“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.”

Board of Alderman President Megan Green and 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldridge said it is imperative that Richardson’s Economic Justice Plan not be abandoned.

“In a political climate where equity is threatened and DEI programs are being dismantled, frameworks like Mr. Richardson’s Economic Justice Action Plan must be preserved to meet the needs of all neighborhoods—in particular those that have been intentionally ignored for decades,” said Green.

Aldridge said this “is a disappointing day.”

“Neal Richardson [is] a dedicated leader who has tirelessly worked to foster development and economic growth in our city, particularly in North St. Louis. [His] leadership has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at revitalizing our neighborhoods and empowering residents,” said Aldridge.

“Most notably, Mr. Richardson was the driving force behind the creation of the North SideEconomic Empowerment Center, a vital resource designed to support North City residents in starting and growing small businesses. His commitment to ensuring that development benefits all corners of our city, especially the underserved North Side, has been truly commendable.”