Brian Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Lebanon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (Lebanon-REDI) and a former Dexter resident, was selected recently by statewide peers to serve as secretary for the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) Board of Directors.

MEDC is the authoritative voice on economic development and related issues in Missouri. A statewide, nonprofit association of economic development professionals and community leaders, MEDC has been the unified voice of Missouri economic developers since 1979. Thompson has served eight years on the MEDC board in various capacities. His new appointment will set him on the pathway of becoming board president in a few years as the secretary role is one of five positions on the organization’s executive committee.

“I am humbled that my peers from throughout the state of Missouri have continued to choose me for service on the MEDC board,” said Thompson. “Lebanon and Laclede County have benefited from representation on the MEDC board for several years and I am truly honored to continue this tradition as MEDC’s board secretary for the 2024-25 year.”

MEDC drives economic growth through program initiatives and alliances with other economic development entities. This collaboration gives MEDC members access to industry-leading professional development, public policy, legislation and marketing communications programs. Whether working independently or in cooperation with partners, MEDC, its members and professional staff are effective, efficient and reliable.

“We are grateful that the MEDC Board of Directors recognizes the importance of a Lebanon and Laclede County presence for its organization,” said Kim Light, chairperson of the Lebanon-REDI board of directors. “Congratulations to our Lebanon-REDI president Brian Thompson on his recent leadership selection for the MEDC Board.”

Thompson is a 1999 graduate of Dexter High School. He earned his associate of arts degree in pre-journalism from Three Rivers Community College (Poplar Bluff) in May 2001 and his bachelor of science degree in journalism, emphasis in public relations with a minor in marketing, from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., in 2003.

He is the son of Jimmy and Thelma Thompson of Dexter.