Shad Burner
KBS is rooted in the same philosophies that have driven me throughout my career – helping connect government, organizations, and people to make a better future for Missouri and beyond.
Shad Burner is a Principal at KBS Group, LLP, where he leverages over a decade of experience in economic development, public policy, and strategic planning to support clients across Missouri. He also serves as CEO of Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI), overseeing operations, regional strategies, and stakeholder engagement across a multi-county area.
Previously, Shad was Director of Federal Initiatives at the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), where he led a new division focused on maximizing federal resources, managing a $650 million budget and a 20-person team. In 2021, Governor Mike Parson appointed him Missouri’s Designee to the Delta Regional Authority, a federally funded partnership advancing development in the eight-state Delta region.
Shad’s expertise spans both urban and rural initiatives, with a focus on regional competitiveness, community investment, and intergovernmental collaboration. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and a graduate of the Harvard Leadership Institute (2022), Missouri Leadership Academy (2021), and Delta Leadership Institute (2020).
His earlier roles include leadership positions with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Missouri State University, and VP of Business Development for carGO, a ride-share and food delivery startup. Recognized for driving workforce development, private investment, and infrastructure expansion, Shad lives in Cape Girardeau with his wife, Layne, and their daughters, Kaydence and Lennon.