EDCKC is pleased to announce Tracey Lewis as the new President and CEO of the region’s largest economic development agency. On July 1, 2022, Mr. Lewis will replace Interim President and CEO Heather Brown, who has led the agency since October 2021.
“We are confident that we have found the ideal leader to lead EDCKC. With the NFL draft, National League of Cities, and the recently announced World Cup, Kansas City will be on a world class stage. Tracey is the right person at the right time to move Kansas City’s development forward in a way that showcases Kansas City as the world-class city that it is,” says Bridgette Williams, Chairwoman of the EDCKC Board. “His roots run deep, both in professional leadership and a commitment to the community.”
EDCKC also wants to thank Heather Brown for her steady and talented leadership as the board conducted the search for the new President and CEO. Ms. Brown will continue in her previous role at the EDC.
“From last week’s World Cup announcement to over a billion dollars of new economic investment in Kansas City since I started serving as mayor in 2019, it is clear that businesses are excited to accelerate new opportunities in our city,” said Mayor Lucas. “With a business background with years of experience in investments and supporting growing companies, Tracey is well-positioned to move Kansas City’s development forward with an eye toward transformative and equitable economic growth that will touch every part of our community. We are lucky to have him and I look forward to seeing the future of development in Kansas City with Tracey at the helm.”
“I’m excited to help the city continue its renaissance,” says Lewis. “Kansas City has been my home for 17 years, and for the past decade I’ve been honored to contribute as a volunteer and board member of community organizations. With the opportunity to lead EDCKC, I’m confident we can
continue the strong momentum.”
Prior to his new role, Lewis was a Senior Vice President – Institutional Investment Sales Manager at Commerce Trust Company. Prior to Commerce, he was Vice President – Asset Management Sales and Relationship Management at Waddell and Reed. Lewis graduated from Babson College with a degree in Marketing and Communications and he earned his MBA at Cornell University. Lewis’ commitment to the KC community is reflected in his current board activities:
- University Health (TMC) – Finance Committee Chair & Investment Committee Chair (2014)
- Catholic Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph – Investment Committee Chair (2014)
- Missouri Housing Development Commission – Vice Chair (2019)
- Shumaker Family Foundation – Committee Member (2019)
- SchoolSmart – Kansas City – Board Member (2017)
- Vision Impact Power Fund (micro giving for the underserved community in KC) – Co-Founder (2017)
- GKCCF Regional Advisory Council – Kansas City – Advisory Board Member (2020)
Further information will be released in the coming weeks.