Community development is at the core of Westbrook’s work. In 2024, for example, IFF (previously known as the Illinois Facilities Fund) lent more than $150 million to support the development of 2.5 million square feet of top-of-the-line facility space for nonprofits across the Midwest. “IFF has such a potent set of tools that can be leveraged to drive capital and other resources to support disinvested communities,” he says. (Note: Westbrooks was named president and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation in early March, shortly after publication.)
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2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the past 12 months? Last year, IFF lent more than $150 million to high-impact nonprofits in support of developing 2.5 million square feet of high -quality, nonprofit facility space across the Midwest.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? IFF has such a potent set of tools that can be leveraged to drive capital and other resources to support disinvested communities.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would make it easier to invest in CDFIs to unlock as much capital as possible for disinvested communities.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome? Saying no to opportunities that may not be the right fit for the tools that IFF can provision is always the most challenging.
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Let’s create a new and unique vision for our region. We don’t have to do what other metro regions have done.
MENTORS & PEERS
What is a key strength of the St. Louis metro area business environment? There’s a lot more untapped potential than I’ve seen in other cities.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment? I would make it less risk averse in pursuing new opportunities.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? The Brickline Greenway being developed by Great Rivers Greenway is one of the most transformative projects happening in downtown right now. We don’t have to wish that St. Louis had New York’s Highline or Chicago’s 606. We have our own, and it’s called the Brickline.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was a busboy/dishwasher at Denny’s. I learned that my calling was not washing dishes at one of the busiest Denny’s in the region.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What’s your hobby/passion? I love being outdoors gardening, exercising, and camping.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? The Half Has Never Been Told. I think it provides important context to the creation of American capitalism.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I’ve learned to put things down and come back to them. It’s ok to put things down.
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)? I completed a half ironman triathlon. Whew!
