Jefferson City – On April 12, 2024, Governor Mike Parson announced that he is naming Michelle Hataway as full status Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Hataway had been serving as DED Acting Director since June 2023.

"Director Hataway has been a fantastic addition to our team, and we've greatly enjoyed having her leadership and experience among our Cabinet," Governor Parson said. "From main street businesses to billion dollar corporations, no project is too big or too small for Michelle or her team when it comes to growing Missouri's economy and creating jobs. She meets every opportunity with a welcoming spirit and Missouri grit to help secure an even brighter future for all Missourians. We congratulate Michelle and look forward to all the great things she'll continue to achieve on behalf of our state."

“I’m honored by the trust Governor Parson has placed in me to continue leading our excellent team and helping Missourians prosper,” DED 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 as a whole.”

In her more than eight 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.

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