Neal is a director with Baker Tilly’s development and community advisory practice. He is a dynamic economic development executive with more than 15 years of experience leading transformative real estate and community investment strategies. As president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), he spearheaded initiatives that have generated more than $2.2 billion in investments and created more than 3,200 jobs. Neal is known for his equity-centered approach, having launched the Economic Justice Action Plan and the Economic Justice Accelerator, which has secured more than $341 million in funding commitments. His leadership spans public, private and philanthropic sectors, with a focus on equitable housing, small business support and inclusive economic growth.
- Reported directly to the mayor of the city of St. Louis and provided strategic oversight for nine economic development boards
- Led the reform of the city’s economic development incentive process by creating the community benefit scorecard, aligning incentives with community priorities
- Directed the development and execution of the Economic Justice Action Plan, resulting in more than $2.2 billion in investment and the creation of more than 3,200 jobs
- Facilitated $2.2 billion in investment across 73 projects through approved redevelopment plans, parcel development agreements, and developer designations
- Secured $115 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and launched the Economic Justice Accelerator with $341.5 million in commitments toward a $1 billion goal
- Expanded SLDC’s budget from $20 million to $40 million and grew staff from 80 to 100 employees
- Managed more than 350 New Markets/Historic Tax Credit financing investments totaling more than $5 billion while at the tax credit financing and investment solutions division of an American multinational financial services firm
- Closed more than $200 million in investments to support Black-led banks, businesses and communities
- Co-founded Dream Builders 4 Equity, delivering more than $350,000 in direct financial benefits to youth and investing more than $760,000 in community revitalization efforts
- Secured approximately $5 million in Brownfield Tax Credits from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of site redevelopment in the city of St. Louis
- International Economic Development Council member
- African American Alliance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) CEOs
- St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, board of directors
- Dream Builders 4 Equity, co-founder
- St. Louis Sports Commission, commissioner
- Cortex Innovation Community, board of directors
- St. Louis Business 500, St. Louis Magazine, 2025
- Economic Development Award, 100 Black Men St. Louis, 2025
- Economic Development Award, Legacy Institute Honoree, 2023
- Public Sector Executive of the Year, MoKan (St. Louis Construction Contractors Assistance Center), 2022
- Emerging Alumni Award, FOCUS, Delux Magazine, 2022
- Emerging Alumni Award, Power 100, Delux Magazine, 2022
- 100+ People Shaping St. Louis, St. Louis Magazine, 2022
- Rising Star in Community Building, Community Builders Network, 2020
- Rising Star in Community Building, Dreamer Award, LaunchCode, 2020