Lafayette Latest News
Rob Libera, CEO & Executive Director, to retire from Lafayette Industries
St. Louis, MO—Nov. 12, 2025—After 22 years of dedicated leadership, Rob Libera will retire as Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of Lafayette Industries at the end of 2025. Rob will be succeeded by Stacey Elster, current Chief Program Officer at Lafayette.
Rob has played a key role in Lafayette’s growth and success, always keeping the Mission and People at the center of his work. During his tenure, Lafayette expanded from one workshop to three, overseeing the growth in employment from 185 employees to over 450, becoming the largest single full-time employer of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the State of Missouri. During Rob’s tenure, Lafayette introduced programs such as STEPUP and the Legacy Program, and strengthened its reputation as a trusted provider of employment and unique program opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Rob guided the organization through periods of change and growth with steady leadership and a focus on creating meaningful opportunities.
Rob’s leadership was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Lafayette remained open throughout, many employees were quarantined due to residential policies. Rob launched the “Keeping On, Keeping Connected” initiative, creating training curriculum and meaningful work employees could complete at home to keep their skills sharp. He recorded weekly video updates for months, ensuring employees and families stayed informed and connected to Lafayette and to each other. This effort helped maintain engagement and readiness so employees could return to work confidently when restrictions lifted. Rob also served as the President of the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers (MASWM) during the pandemic.
Although Rob is stepping down from his executive role, he will continue to serve as a consultant, supporting Lafayette during this transition and through their 50th anniversary celebration in 2026. Rob will also remain Vice-Chairman of SWIM, and serve MASWM as Past-President. His contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his years of service.
For more information or inquiries, contact Kate Gregor at [email protected]
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Lafayette’s STEPUP Program was on The Today Show, click here to watch the segment!
MASWM conference Targets Key Workshop Issues
The MASWM Spring Conference April 26-28 was a major success, with over 80 workshop representatives attending two days of information-rich presentations.
Even with a packed agenda focused on workshops, the greatest benefit of the event may have been numerous opportunities for networking by workshop staff members who shared their ideas for solving problems and more.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and at Lafayette Industries we have the Right Talent, Right Now-Right Here!
