From the Chair :

I am honored to serve as Chair of the Regional Business Council. The RBC brings together some of the Region’s largest companies around a common purpose: to make St. Louis a better place to live, work, and grow our businesses. Collectively, we help our Region achieve its highest potential, with members using their knowledge, talents, and business acumen to seek innovative, hands-on solutions to the St. Louis Region’s civic, business, and philanthropic needs. We are purposeful, action-oriented, and results-driven. We know that we can accomplish so much more if we work together, and while we have an impressive history, there is still much work to be done. 

The RBC was built on the powerful vision and leadership of Kathy Osborn, who founded the organization with a desire to make St. Louis a safe and worthy place not only to live and work, but to truly thrive. We are ever committed to making sure the Council will be at the forefront of the advancement of our region. Kathy announced her retirement at the end of 2024. She will serve at Founder and President Emeritus and work on special projects in 2025.

With that, we are thrilled to welcome two strong leaders who will help drive our vision in the community.

Catherine Hanaway, Chair and Partner of Husch Blackwell, has agreed to serve the RBC as Chair-Elect, and will take on the role of Chair for 2025-2026. We are privileged to have had Catherine’s guidance as Co-Chair of the Crime and Public Safety Committee, especially with her impressive background in in public service. Catherine served as the presidentially-appointed United States Attorney and was the first and still only woman to serve the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives

The RBC also welcomes Karen Branding, who is assuming the role of RBC President and CEO. Karen is coming from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, where she served as senior vice president for External Engagement and Corporate Communications. We are excited to support Karen as she continues to expand the RBC’s impact in St. Louis.