Ameren Missouri Executive Receives Top Honor From Hawthorn Foundation
- September 06, 2024
Rob Dixon recognized with Award of Excellence at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development
The Hawthorn Foundation is honoring key leaders making an impact on economic development in Missouri. The organization recently awarded Rob Dixon, Senior Director, Economic, Community, & Business Development at Ameren Missouri, with its Award of Excellence. Dixon was selected for the award due to his steadfast dedication to advancing economic development across Missouri. Governor Mike Parson presented the award to Dixon during the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Economic Development.
“We count ourselves lucky to have economic development leaders like Rob Dixon in Missouri, and we congratulate him on being recognized with the Award of Excellence,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Whether it’s transforming and strengthening our Department of Economic Development, helping business leaders navigate a global pandemic, or ensuring we meet the energy demands of Missouri businesses, Rob has always pursued initiatives that make our state an even better place for families to live and work. More business investment and quality jobs are coming to our state thanks to innovative leaders like Rob, and in addition to our congratulations, we extend our thanks.”
“Rob Dixon’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving Missouri’s economic success,” said Becky Willard, Executive Director of the Hawthorn Foundation. “His unwavering commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities has made a lasting impact on our state. We are proud to honor leaders like Rob who continue to elevate Missouri’s standing as a leader in economic development and growth.”
In his current role at Ameren, Dixon has effectively led his team to address significant electric load requirements, ensuring that opportunities are leveraged to meet these demands. He is a dependable leader in economic development with an unparalleled competitive drive. Before joining Ameren Missouri, Dixon served as the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) where he spearheaded a historic reorganization aimed at transforming DED into a performance-driven organization, setting a standard for excellence and emphasizing the importance of a focused team approach. During his tenure, Dixon guided DED through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering critical support to existing businesses and maintaining Missouri’s competitiveness for new investments.
Dixon has played a key role in the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC), particularly in its Executive and Public Policy Committees. Rob has formed valuable relationships and advocated for policies that enhance economic development statewide, benefitting communities across the state for years to come.
“Economic development is a team sport, and I am truly honored to work side by side with Missouri Partnership and the Hawthorn Foundation to help our state grow,” said Rob Dixon. “Together, we are attracting new jobs and investment, helping existing businesses expand and positioning our Missouri communities as a great place to prosper. I am incredibly optimistic about the unprecedented economic development opportunities we have before us, and I look forward to our continued partnership to make Missouri the top destination for businesses to thrive.”
Dixon is a native of Florissant, Missouri. After serving in the Marine Corps, he led the Hollister Chamber of Commerce where he remained until serving in executive roles with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Community College Association.
Throughout the years, Dixon has served on the Board for Missouri Partnership and MEDC. He has been a dedicated advocate for the Hawthorn Foundation, and his support and leadership have been crucial in ensuring it continues to be a vital force in creating new jobs in Missouri.
The Hawthorn Foundation hosts the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development annually. It typically draws more than 400 attendees from across the state. In addition to the Hawthorn Award of Excellence, the Hawthorn Foundation honored the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) with the Project of the Year Award.