About SEMO REDI

People. Place. Opportunity.

We’re growing Southeast Missouri’s population and GDP—one bold step at a time.

Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. (SEMO REDI) exists to drive population growth and increase economic output across our region. Our work is clear: attract new people, support business expansion, and unlock the full potential of our communities. By partnering with businesses, local governments, and community leaders, we’re building a stronger Southeast Missouri. From workforce development to infrastructure strategy, we focus on the factors that matter most to long-term regional success.

Strategic Plan

Business Attraction, Growth, & Innovation

Grow the Region’s economy by strengthening high-performing companies and industries, diversifying businesses, and career opportunities, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Partners

SEMO REDI is led by a dedicated group of business and civic leaders.

Staff

SEMO REDI is led by a dedicated group of business and civic leaders.

Organization	Member	Role
Saint Francis Healthcare System	Justin Davison	Chair
Crader Distributing	Scott Crader	Past Chair
Benton Hill Investments	Tim Goodman	Secretary/Treasurer
Robinson Construction	Paul Findlay	Incoming Chair
BHP Capital	Joe Uzoaru	Executive Committee
Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce	Rob Gilligan	Executive Committee
Cape Girardeau County	Clint Tracy	Executive Committee
City of Cape Girardeau	Robbie Guard	Executive Committee
City of Jackson	Dwain Hahs	Executive Committee
City of Scott City	Dustin Whitworth	Executive Committee
Drury Southwest	Adrienne Henry	Executive Committee
Mayson Capital	Jeff Maurer	Executive Committee
Mercy	Mandy Shelast	Executive Committee
Mineral Area College	Joe Gilgour	Executive Committee
Southeast Missouri State University	Brad Hodson	Executive Committee
The Rhodes Group	Scott Rhodes	Executive Committee
Alan Wire	Alan Keenan	Board Member
Ameren Missouri	Russ Burger	Board Member
Arnold Insurance Group	Marc Harris	Board Member
City of Cape Girardeau	Kenny Haskin	Board Member
Codefi	James Stapleton	Board Member
Delta Companies	Seth Stevens	Board Member
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce	Brian Gerau	Board Member
Liberty Utilities	Amy Arnn	Board Member
Lorimont Commercial Real Estate	Chris Cole	Board Member
Montgomery Bank	Jim Limbaugh	Board Member
MRV Banks	Brent Presser	Board Member
P&G	Elora Ocampo	Board Member
Penzel Construction	Phil Penzel	Board Member
SEMO Industrial Park	Gregg Erb	Board Member
Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority	Cary Harbison	Board Member
Southeast Missourian/rustmedia	Jon Rust	Board Member

Shad Burner, CEO

Shad Burner is the CEO of Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI). Prior to this, Burner served on the leadership team of the Missouri Department of Economic Development where he led the development of a new division with 20+ team members, oversaw a budget of $650M, and led the creation of nine new grant programs. Governor Mike Parson appointed Burner to serve as the Missouri Designee to the Delta Regional Authority in 2021. Burner is a Certified Economic Developer, a 2022 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program, and a 2020 Delta Leadership Institute graduate. He lives in Cape Girardeau with his wife, Layne, and daughters, Kaydence and Lennon.

Lucas Presson, Director of Business Growth and Innovation

Lucas Presson is the Director of Business Growth and Innovation at Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI). Prior to this, Presson served as Assistant Publisher and General Manager of the Southeast Missourian, where he led the newspaper’s day-to-day operations as well as the company’s Cape Girardeau commercial printing operation. He founded the Semoball Awards, helped launch several community-focused events, and served on the newspaper’s editorial board. He also served on the board of the Missouri Press Association. Presson holds an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and has experience in business strategy, marketing and media relations, and community development. He lives in Cape Girardeau and is a member of Lynwood Baptist Church.