Lawson named new president/CEO for Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development

SIKESTON — The Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation has named Marcie Lawson its next President and CEO.

Lawson has served as executive director of the Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation since 2017. She will succeed Mike Marshall as President and CEO on June 1 with a transition time until June 30 when Marshall will officially retire.

“I want to make Sikeston a place those who grew up here choose to return and know they could have fulfilling careers in their hometown,” Lawson said. “To do this, we must have good places for them to live, to work, and to raise families. These will be my focus areas as I bring a community development approach to the economic development position.”

Lawson has 17 years of experience in community, resource and workforce development. Her experience includes launching the Sikeston S.O.A.R. program, Leadership Sikeston Program and recruitment of area jobs including the new Carlisle Construction Materials Plant, which is currently under construction in the Sikeston South Industrial Park.

Prior to joining the Sikeston Regional Chamber, she served as executive director of the Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation.

“Marcie Lawson was unanimously chosen by representatives of both the Sikeston Regional Chamber and the Area Economic Development governing boards,” said Heather Couch, chairwoman of the Sikeston Area Economic Development Board. “She will bring new ideas that will further our growth.”

In January 2022, Lawson completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institution for Organization Management. She is a graduate of the Delta Leadership Institute’s Executive Academy.

Locally Lawson serves on the Sikeston Park and Recreation Board and on the Bootheel Babies’ and Families’ Community Task Force. She has also served on the YMCA Board of Southeast Missouri.

“Serving as chairman of the Sikeston Regional Chamber Board, I have seen what Marcie Lawson can accomplish and am excited to see her lead our combined economic and Chamber efforts,” said Walt Modde, chairman, Sikeston Regional Chamber Board.

Lawson holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Louisiana – Monroe and a bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama. She and her husband, Andrew, have two children and reside in Sikeston.

“She (Lawson) has been a tremendous asset to the Sikeston’s regional economic development efforts. I look forward to seeing more growth and planning through her leadership efforts,” Couch added.