Slater Named Next EDC Director

The Clay County Economic Development Council has named David Slater as its next Executive Director.

“I’m honored with the EDC’s selection,” Slater said. “The opportunities for Clay County are immense, but there’s a lot to do. We’ve got to tap our full potential, and I believe the EDC, working with others, can do just that.”

Clay County Economic Development Council Executive Director David Slater

Slater noted several issues he hopes to help address, ranging from internet access in rural areas of Clay County to funding for MoDOT to help with area transportation needs. The EDC’s support for area businesses remains critical. A top goal involves the strategic plan Big 4, which includes development of vacant land around I-435 and Highway 152.

“That’s one of the prime interchanges in Greater Kansas City, but it’s largely empty,” Slater said. “We’ll be working on that.”

The Big 4 includes expansion of the KC Tech Academy in Liberty; a “587” project for high quality development surrounding I-435 and Highway 152; expansion of the University of Missouri Center for Excellence in Orthopedics at Liberty Hospital; and creation of 50 new Clay County businesses and 5,000 jobs.

EDC Chair Greg Canuteson said Slater’s selection was relatively easy. “David has shown great leadership as mayor and intense commitment to Clay County for many years,” he said. “We’re delighted that he has accepted the challenge of leading Clay County.”

Slater has served eight terms as mayor of Pleasant Valley since first being elected in 1987 at the age of 28. He also brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and finance, most recently serving as senior vice president for Bank 21.

In 2016, he was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Missouri Municipal League and, in 2019, the Leadership Award by the Mid-America Regional Council.

Mayor Slater has a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University and an accounting degree from Missouri Western State University.

Slater succeeds TJ Berry who recently accepted the position of deputy district director for the Kansas City Region of the Small Business Administration.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story