About

Jaye O’Donnell is the City of Mesa's 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. Jaye’s mission is to enhance the local economy, primarily by attracting companies and growing quality jobs. In her previous role as Assistant Economic Development Director, Jaye led key initiatives, including Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program, higher education recruitment strategy, and brand development for both Falcon and Asian Districts. She also directed marketing and led strategic planning efforts for the Office of Economic Development. Prior to coming to Mesa, Jaye worked eight years for the State of Arizona as Senior Director of Marketing and Business Attraction, at the Arizona Department of Commerce and Director of Advertising, Media Relations, and Fulfillment, at the Arizona Office of Tourism. Jaye began her career in the public sector at the City of Glendale 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. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Association of Economic Development.