St. Louis County Government:

Press release from the St. Louis County Government:

December 27, 2021

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO (December 27, 2021) - Winston Calvert, County Executive Dr. Sam Page’s Chief of Staff, will leave county government at the end of January to become Chief Executive Officer of The Equity Network. Calvert has played a critical role leading county government since the beginning of Dr. Page’s administration through the current fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Winston has been by my side for years and remains a close friend,” Dr. Page said. “I am confident he will have a big impact for our community in his new role and I wish him the best.”

“It has been a privilege to serve in county government,” Calvert said. “I appreciate Dr. Page’s continued support, but the opportunity to serve the people of the St. Louis region in this new role was something I just couldn’t pass up.”

The Equity Network is a private foundation with the mission of helping people build financial equity by creating opportunities for working families to buy affordable homes, improving the quality of life in disinvested communities, and providing social service supports for essential workers. Based in Wellston, the Equity Network leads and manages a group of non-profit operating foundations, including The Community Impact Network and Equity Homes. Its current CEO, Robert Gioia, is retiring.

“Everyone in our community deserves a shot at economic mobility, but many find their path undermined by generational poverty, systemic racism, and neighborhood disinvestment,” Calvert added. “In this new role, I hope to partner with community members to make sure more people have real opportunities to experience economic mobility.”

Calvert’s tenure in county government was lauded by other county leaders. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy remarked, “In the past two years Winston has played a key role in shaping an agenda that cares for all county residents, especially those most vulnerable. I’m glad he’ll be able to continue this mission in his new role and I wish him the best.”

"Winston and I see the world very differently at times,” said Councilman Ernie Trakas, “but I can tell you that he truly respects people he disagrees with, and he's always genuinely open to conversing and listening to other people's perspectives. The kind of conversations where people speak from the heart and each person comes away with a real understanding of the way the other thinks and feels. That willingness to listen and hear opposing views was important to working across ideological lines in county government and I'm sure it will serve him well in his new job.”

Calvert will continue in his current role with county government through the end of January when he will begin his work with The Equity Network.

This press release was produced by the St. Louis County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.