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October 2025 Newsletter

ESOP| Employee Ownership
February 18, 2026•1 min read

MOCEO October Newsletter: Welcoming New Executive Leadership

We’re excited to share the newest newsletter from the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership, featuring an important leadership update and continued progress in advancing employee ownership.

This edition welcomes Julie Leonhardt as MOCEO’s new Executive Director. Julie brings extensive experience in law, business, and entrepreneurial leadership, along with a strong commitment to helping businesses and employees thrive. Her leadership marks an exciting step forward as MOCEO continues expanding awareness and access to employee ownership across Missouri.

One of her early initiatives includes launching a citywide task force in Kansas City, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, to bring together leaders and advocates who share a vision for stronger, more resilient businesses through shared ownership.

This newsletter reflects the momentum, leadership, and community driving employee ownership forward. We invite you to read the full update and join us in welcoming Julie to this important role.

Read the full newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/83b162604e4f/please-welcome-julie-leonhardt-moceos-new-executive-director

new leadershipkansas cityMissouri
Julie Leonhardt is the Executive Director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership (MOCEO), advancing employee ownership as a strategy for business sustainability, equitable wealth building, and community prosperity. With a background spanning law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a systems-level approach to economic development. Julie is a graduate of Westmont College and Fordham University School of Law and is based in Kansas City.

Julie Leonhardt

Julie Leonhardt is the Executive Director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership (MOCEO), advancing employee ownership as a strategy for business sustainability, equitable wealth building, and community prosperity. With a background spanning law, real estate, technology, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a systems-level approach to economic development. Julie is a graduate of Westmont College and Fordham University School of Law and is based in Kansas City.

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