(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - After a decade of dedicated service to the community, Stacey Button, the economic development director and president of Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), has announced her retirement from the City of Columbia in the Spring of 2025.

Button's career began in Flagstaff, Arizona where she served as the director of the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau before being promoted to the City's economic vitality director. In this role, she oversaw various departments including tourism, the Flagstaff Airport, business attraction and retention, and entrepreneurship programs.

In 2015, Button joined the City of Columbia as economic development director and president of REDI. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous business development projects and initiatives that created job opportunities and supported upward economic mobility for residents in Columbia and Boone County. She also played a crucial role in securing new air service opportunities for Columbia Regional Airport (COU) and obtaining federal and state grants for COU. Additionally, Button oversaw the construction of the new airport terminal project which opened in October 2022.

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"It has been an incredible honor to serve in this dual role," Button said. "I am immensely proud of my team's work during my time here. They are a remarkable group who have shown dedication and commitment to excellence. As part of REDI's Board of Directors, I have had the privilege to work with numerous community partners and colleagues over the years, and together we have achieved so much. I am excited to see all that REDI will continue to accomplish under their leadership."

As president of REDI, Button led the organization through accreditation and re-accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2024. REDI is one of only 83 organizations worldwide to receive this distinction from IEDC, which has over 5,000 members nationwide.

City Manager De'Carlon Seewood expressed his gratitude for Button's contributions to the community, saying, "Stacey's efforts have paved the way for significant economic opportunities and growth in our community. We are thankful for her lasting impact and wish her a fulfilling retirement ahead. As we search for her successor, we are committed to finding a candidate who shares her passion for economic development and possesses the skills and vision to continue advancing our community's financial success."

The City of Columbia will begin the search for Button's replacement, ensuring that REDI continues to thrive under new leadership. With Button's retirement approaching in 2025, the community looks forward to honoring her legacy and welcoming a new leader who will continue to drive economic growth in Columbia and Boone County.

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