WHO WE ARE

Downtown Forward
Board of Directors

Unified leadership advancing the future of Downtown St. Louis

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Our Board
Our board is composed of leaders who bring a deep and demonstrated commitment to and passion for Downtown St. Louis and deep expertise in the skills and knowledge necessary to turn Downtown around. Importantly, several of our board members are residents of Downtown and have the fundamental understanding of the issues facing Downtown that is only acquired through experiencing Downtown 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Executive Director
Matt O'Leary
Matt O'Leary
Attorney • Real Estate Developer • Downtown Resident

Matt O'Leary serves as Executive Director of Downtown Forward, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on strengthening the economic vitality, public safety, and long-term competitiveness of Downtown St. Louis. He works closely with business leaders, property owners, public agencies, and community stakeholders to advance collaborative solutions to the systemic challenges facing the urban core.

A longtime Downtown resident, attorney, and real estate developer, Matt brings extensive experience in urban development, neighborhood stabilization, and coalition-building. His leadership is centered on driving practical, results-oriented strategies that support a more vibrant, resilient, and thriving downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Board Officers
Jerry Schlichter Board President
Jerry Schlichter
Founder, Schlichter Bogard
“Wherever anyone in the region lives or works, a vibrant Downtown is vital because it is the business, sports, and visitor center as well as the face of the region.”

Jerry is the founder of Schlichter Bogard, a nationally recognized trial firm known for landmark cases that have reshaped the 401(k) industry and protected workers' retirement savings.

He is a longtime civic leader in St. Louis and co-founder of Arch Grants, which has supported hundreds of startups and contributed to the region's economic growth. He is widely known for authoring Missouri's Historic Tax Credit legislation, a transformative policy that helped catalyze the revitalization of Downtown St. Louis and spurred billions in redevelopment across the state.

Treasurer
Dan Pistor
Chair, Downtown Neighborhood Association

Dan Pistor has been a downtown St. Louis resident and condo owner for nearly two decades and works in finance in the urban core. He currently serves as Chair of the St. Louis Downtown Neighborhood Association, where he also leads the organization's safety committee, and has been a board member of the Washington Avenue Corridor Community Improvement District since 2024.

Dan is a strong advocate for downtown, consistently promoting its progress and positive momentum to the broader community. He has built meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, city departments, business owners, and law enforcement.

Secretary
Amy Gill
Owner, Restoration St. Louis

Amy Gill is the owner of Restoration St. Louis, a leading real estate development firm focused on the rehabilitation of historic properties and the revitalization of neighborhoods across the region. Through her leadership, the company has completed hundreds of redevelopment projects and driven significant private investment into underutilized areas, including numerous properties in downtown St. Louis.

She is also the owner of one of downtown's premier boutique hotels and is actively engaged in civic efforts alongside public and private stakeholders to support thoughtful growth and long-term revitalization.

Board Members
Glenn Keenan
Glenn Keenan
SVP & GM, Horseshoe St. Louis
“My involvement with Downtown Forward reflects a commitment to advancing thoughtful, collaborative initiatives that strengthen our community.”
As Senior Vice President and General Manager of Horseshoe St. Louis, Glenn oversees one of the region's largest entertainment and tourism destinations. He regularly works at the intersection of business, tourism, and public impact, including initiatives that support regional revenue generation and broader community investment.
James Page
James Page
Executive Director, Downtown Neighborhood Association
“I am excited to help Downtown leverage its many assets into an even greater location for businesses, residents, and visitors.”
James has served in public office as a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, representing Ward 5, and has long been engaged in community organizing and neighborhood leadership. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, working closely with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to support a stronger and more connected downtown.
Craig Heller
Craig Heller
VP of Development, Oliver Properties

Craig Heller is a longtime downtown resident of over 25 years and a seasoned real estate developer with a significant track record in St. Louis. As the founder of Loftworks, he led over $250 million in development projects, playing a key role in the transformation of downtown through adaptive reuse and large-scale redevelopment.

Craig currently serves as Vice President of Development at Oliver Properties, where he continues to advance strategic redevelopment projects.

John Warren
Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield

John Warren is a St. Louis native and licensed commercial real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in the regional market. He has been involved in nearly $50 million in downtown office dispositions since 2014.

John has long been engaged in shaping the future of Downtown St. Louis, serving on the board of Downtown Forward and previously on the Downtown CID Board.