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Greitens announces Rob Dixon as new director for Dept. of Economic Development

By Benjamin Peters on June 2, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Governor Eric Greitens has selected the current president of the Missouri Community College Association as Missouri’s new Acting Director of Economic Development.

In a release issued Friday afternoon, Greitens announced his decision to name Rob Dixon as the head of the state’s economic development agency.

“Our top priority is more jobs and higher pay for the people of Missouri. For too long, Missouri’s economy has struggled. Real change and bold leadership are needed to bring jobs back to our state,” Greitens released in a statement. “Rob has proven that he knows how to get results and drive change. His experiences as a Marine, economic developer, and leader of Missouri’s community colleges will help to make Missouri one of the top states for jobs. We are excited for Rob to join our team and get to work helping the people of Missouri find quality jobs.”

Rob Dixon
Rob Dixon

Dixon previously worked as executive vice president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and as executive director of the Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce, before landing him with the MCCA as the CEO. Under his leadership, the MCCA made a major announcement this past legislative session, in which Dixon helped successfully coordinate an agreement with major policy changes for Missouri’s 12 community colleges.

Prior to Dixon’s career in economic development, he served as a Marine in Afghanistan and Pakistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Rob earned his Associate’s Degree from St. Charles Community College, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University.

“Governor Greitens and I share the same desire to transform the way Missouri does economic development. The people of Missouri need more jobs and higher pay,” Dixon said. “We’re going to compete with every state in the country to win jobs for our people. I look forward to working with economic developers across the state to create one of the top business climates in the nation.”

The move was applauded by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We are very excited about the announcement.  Dixon is a proven professional in the economic development field and this announcement is great news for Missouri employers,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO.  “Few areas of state government work as closely with Missouri employers as does the Department of Economic Development. As Director, Dixon has the opportunity to greatly impact Missouri’s job growth and future prosperity of our state.”
“Dixon’s experience will be a great asset to the state,” Mehan said. “He has years of experience working for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, a fast-growing Missouri region. Most recently, he served as the head of the Missouri Community College Association, giving him valuable exposure to institutions on the front line of training our future workforce.”
The Chamber say Dixon has been a strong supporter of their strategic economic plan for the state, Missouri 2030: An Agenda to Lead. Under his leadership, the Missouri Community College Association endorsed the plan.

The appointment is still subject to Senate confirmation.

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