Brooklyn Wasser named Department’s Director of Business Opportunities

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that Brooklyn Wasser has joined DED as its Director of Business Opportunities. Wasser will oversee all of DED’s business and redevelopment finance programs in her new role.

“Brooklyn is a strategic thinker and high performer who we’re thrilled to welcome to our team,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “At DED, we’re always looking for ways to improve and serve our state more efficiently. Brooklyn’s skill set is perfectly suited for this position and we look forward to her helping advance our mission of helping Missourians prosper.”

As Director of Business Opportunities, Wasser will help lead the Division of Business and Community Solutions’ business teams and programs designed to promote economic growth statewide.

“I’m excited to join DED and step into the next stage of my public service career,” said Brooklyn Wasser, Director of Business Opportunities for the Department of Economic Development. “As someone passionate about streamlining operations, I’m honored to serve Missourians in this new role. My time in state government has provided valuable experience I’m ready to put to use improving lives statewide.”

Wasser most recently served as Director of the Division of Administration for the Department of Revenue (DOR), in addition to leading DOR’s Operational Excellence efforts. She has also held positions in DOR’s Division of Taxation and the Division of Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing. During her more than 15 years of public service, Wasser has gained extensive experience in managing teams and projects vital to essential functions of state government.

Wasser holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resource Management from Columbia College. She is also a certified DISC Analyst, a recipient of the 2020 Governor’s Award for Innovation, and a recipient of the 2018 Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity. Wasser is a graduate of the Missouri Leadership Academy and a certified Yellow and Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma, an approach to process improvement designed to improve performance through collaboration.

About the Division of Business and Community Solutions

The Business and Community Solutions Division facilitates regional economic growth by addressing economic development challenges with a combination of subject matter expertise, program administration, and innovative problem-solving. This division houses many of the state’s core economic development tools and programs, which are used in close collaboration with the Regional Engagement Division to develop tailored solutions for business retention and expansion and community development projects. 

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. 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 website.