Stephen Davis is the chief economic development officer for the City of St. Louis, where he leads efforts to attract investment, support business growth, strengthen industry ecosystems, and advance equitable economic development across the city.

Prior to his appointment, Davis served as vice president of strategic partnerships and initiatives at the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), where he led major economic development initiatives focused on advanced manufacturing, bioscience, geospatial technology, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Throughout his career, he has championed business retention and expansion efforts, helped advance transformative investments, and built strategic partnerships among the public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors.

Davis has received numerous state, national, and international awards for his contributions to economic development, including ESRI’s Special Achievement in GIS Award for leadership in developing a digital twin supporting the Economic Justice Action Plan, the International Economic Development Council’s Excellence in Economic Development Award, and the Missouri Economic Development Council’s Business Retention & Expansion Award.

A dedicated advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship, Davis serves on the boards and advisory committees of organizations including T-REX, the Cortex Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and The First Tee of Greater St. Louis. He holds an MBA from Webster University and a bachelor of arts in Conflict Studies from DePauw University.

A lifelong St. Louisan, Davis is committed to helping the city realize its full economic potential.