November 20, 2024

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Michelle Hataway as Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Hataway will continue to serve as DED Director after being confirmed to the position in May 2024.

“I have had many opportunities to work with Director Hataway and see firsthand her leadership and expertise in promoting Missouri as a great place to live, work, and start a business,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “Expanding economic development efforts will be of paramount importance in my administration, and I look forward to working with Michelle and her team to help secure an even brighter future for all Missourians.”

In her more than nine years with DED, Hataway has served as regional manager, deputy director, and director of the Division of Regional Engagement. More recently, she served as deputy director of DED before being elevated to acting director on June 16, 2023. Prior to joining DED, Hataway held positions with her family’s 90-year-old business and at Netflix.

“I’m honored by the trust Governor-Elect Kehoe has placed in me to continue leading our team and helping Missourians prosper,” Director Hataway said. “Economic development takes collaboration, and we’re fortunate in Missouri to have a wide range of supportive partners across the public and private sectors. I look forward to continuing our work together while leading DED’s initiatives to strengthen businesses, communities, and our economy.”

Hataway earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Alabama. A headshot of Hataway is attached.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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