Rick McDowell is an Economic Development Specialist with 35 years of experience spanning both the public and private sectors. This includes 12 years of experience as a site selector with the private sector leading the site selection and incentive negotiation process. 

His credentials and experience span the areas of business retention, expansion, recruitment, marketing, and community development. Formerly, as president and CEO of economic development organizations, he helped guide them to their full potential and financial success.

Rick believes that economic development’s goal is to improve the quality of life for community residents by creating jobs and new capital investment. He enjoys the thrill of competition he feels working on a project then winning it for his community or client. 

Rick lives and works in the Kansas City area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and business and has his real estate sales license. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CED) and a graduate of the Institute of Organization Management. An avid golfer, Rick is also an all-around sports fan.