Ron Kitchens understands the power of a job. Kitchens, the new CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., recently appeared on the Arch City Report, the podcast from the St. Louis Business Journal, to discuss his vision for the organization and the St. Louis region. At the center of his vision? Jobs.
“Economies don’t grow without more jobs,” Kitchens said. “The greatest force for change is a job. It changes not only today — it puts cash in your pocket — it changes tomorrow; it gives you hope and vision for the future.”
The data, he said, is very clear. A Harvard long-term study indicates that the number one indicator of a child getting out of poverty is that someone in their household or immediately adjacent has a well-paying job.
Growing St. Louis will require hard work: reframing the national narrative; transforming Lambert St. Louis International Airport; supporting and celebrating our world-class institutions. But Kitchens believes we’re up for the challenge. “We deserve to be in the conversation with the best cities.”
The Bottom Line: In 2026, the focus of Greater St. Louis, Inc. is clear: “Our team will get up every day understanding that the greatest thing we can do to change people’s lives is more and better jobs,” Kitchens said.
In his first few weeks at Greater St. Louis, Inc., he has met with nearly 100 leaders one-on-one. And all of them, he said, are supportive; from community leaders to elected officials, they understand what it will take for the region to compete nationally and internationally.
“This is a passionate bunch of folks who want the greatest for St. Louis, who understand that St. Louis is a region, not just a city, but that the city has to thrive, the county has to thrive. I have not heard one single person raise their hands and say we’re out. Everyone’s in.”
