Two finalists hope to replace Button as Columbia’s economic development director

By Brian Hauswirth

You’ll have an opportunity Friday evening to meet the two finalists for Columbia’s economic development director position.

Paul Eisenstein has worked at the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) since 2017, as has served as DED’s senior director of operations since September 2023 (photo courtesy of Sydney Olsen at the city of Columbia)

The city plans a meet and greet Friday anytime from 5-7 pm at city hall, and light refreshments will be provided. The two finalists are Paul Eisenstein and Edward Hayes III.

Edward Hayes III previously worked at Memphis Light, Gas and Water as economic development manager. He’s also worked at the Greater Memphis Chamber as economic development existing business consultant (photo courtesy of Sydney Olsen at the city of Columbia)

Mr. Eisenstein has worked at the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) since 2017, as has served as DED’s senior director of operations since September 2023. He’s also worked in St. Louis, Phoenix and San Francisco. Mr. Hayes previously worked at Memphis Light, Gas and Water as economic development manager. He’s also worked at the Greater Memphis Chamber as economic development existing business consultant.

Longtime Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) president Stacey Button announced in October that she’ll retire this spring. President Button has served in this position for ten years. City manager De’Carlon Seewood praises Ms. Button for securing new air service for Columbia Regional Airport (COU) and overseeing construction of the $23-million new airport terminal project, which opened about two years ago. Button also played a key role in several business expansions in recent years in the Columbia area, including at American Outdoor Brands, Kraft Heinz, Swift Foods and Equipment Share.