The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that Elizabeth Herrera will serve as its Deputy Director for the Division of Strategy and Performance, which informs DED’s strategic planning, program development, and performance management. In this role, Herrera will support strategic initiatives, organizational performance, and cross-functional collaboration.
“We’re excited to welcome Elizabeth to the team,” said Danielle Briot, Director of the Division of Strategy and Performance. “Her experience in leadership across multiple sectors, organizational operations, and program growth will be instrumental in advancing our priorities, projects, and mission of helping Missourians prosper.”
As Deputy Director, Herrera will help lead the division that provides subject matter expertise in specialized areas such as economic research, data analysis, policy development, project management, and operational excellence. The Division is focused on using data and performance metrics to ensure DED’s programs and processes are efficient and effective.
Herrera brings leadership experience across the nonprofit, higher education, and public service sectors. In her previous role as Founder and Executive Director of Mission Promise Kept at Stephens College, she developed and led a nationally recognized residential program supporting women veterans and student-parents. Herrera also served concurrently as Director of Latin American Initiatives to expand educational and cultural programming.
Prior to her work in higher education, Herrera served as Executive Director of True North of Columbia, where she led organizational operations, oversaw program growth, and managed a capital project. She has also held a leadership role in operations and compliance at PACE Center for Girls Inc. in Florida.
“I’m honored to join the Missouri Department of Economic Development and contribute to work that strengthens communities and supports long term growth,” said Elizabeth Herrera, Deputy Director of the Division of Strategy and Performance. “Throughout my career I’ve focused on building strong systems, improving operations and developing meaningful collaborations across teams and sectors. I look forward to supporting DED’s mission and helping advance initiatives that serve Missouri effectively.”
Herrera is a U.S. Air Force veteran and has served in board leadership roles supporting healthcare and community-based organizations. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from Florida Atlantic University, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Auburn University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership at William Woods University.
About the Division of Strategy and Performance
The Strategy and Performance Division helps inform DED’s strategic planning, program development, and performance management. It also houses DED’s legislative and communications services, the Office of Missouri Military Advocate, and the Missouri Women’s Council.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create greater opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s homepage.