Jaye O’Donnell is the City of Mesa Economic Development Director. She leads a team of 17 professionals focused on business attraction, retention and expansion; small business and entrepreneurship; redevelopment and revitalization; and workforce development in Mesa, Arizona, the 36th largest city in the country. O’Donnell’s mission is to grow the local economy, primarily through the expansion of Mesa’s industries of opportunity – Healthcare, Education, Aerospace, Tourism and Technology (HEAT).

In her previous role as Assistant Economic Development Director, Jaye led Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program, Mesa’s higher education recruitment initiative, and the strategic planning process for Office of Economic Development – four plans over 13 years. She also coordinated the branding process and launches of both the Falcon District and the Asian District, Mesa, AZ, efforts to elevate the employment districts and bolster business and commercial development. She is an active member of the Arizona Association for Economic Development Board of Directors and the Visit Mesa Board of Directors.

Prior to coming to Mesa, Jaye was the Senior Director of Marketing and Business Attraction at the Arizona Department of Commerce for five years. She also served the state as the Director of Advertising, Media Relations, and Fulfillment for the Arizona Office of Tourism. Jaye began her career in the public sector at the City of Glendale as the Tourism Manager more than 25 years ago.

She holds a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State University and a certificate in Global Leadership from Thunderbird School of Global Management.