Bio

Lesley joined The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) in 2022 as the Southeast Manager for the Regional Engagement Division. In this role, Lesley and her team work with new and existing businesses in a 25-county area to identify infrastructure, hiring, training, and expansion resources that will allow companies to grow – ultimately creating and retaining quality, family-supporting jobs in southeast Missouri. Fostering relationships with companies, as well as community leadership throughout the region, are key components of the work in the Regional Engagement Division. Prior to her role at DED, Lesley served as the Southeast Field Representative for Senator Roy Blunt and as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Department of Homeland Security CFO in Washington, DC. Lesley lives in Portageville, MO, with her husband and two children, Jack and Violet.