Message From The Director
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Friends & Colleagues: I am both proud and humble to serve as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Cincinnati and to lead the diverse and capable City staff. As the Director, I am responsible for leading the City's mission and method of economic development and serving as the primary contact for employers, investors, small business, and developers. Additionally, I am a husband and father of three as well as a sport enthusiast and former football player for Central Michigan University. The meaning of "TEAM" is very important to me and thus, I would like to ask you to join our "huddle" while we together advance and stimulate an environment in Cincinnati where businesses will employ and investors will invest. As a bit of background, I was most recently the Director of Urban Development for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. I worked under two state administrations to drive investment and development in the urban areas throughout the state of New Jersey. This position with the City of Cincinnati is a return to Ohio for me. I served as the President and CEO of the Columbus Urban Growth Corporation, a citywide public-private entity that handled economic development for the city. I also was the City Administrator in Obetz, Ohio. I hold an MPA from Western Michigan University and a BS from Central Michigan University. I spent quite a bit of time in Michigan, in fact. In addition to my schooling, I spent five years handling special projects for the City Manager of Battle Creek, Michigan. I serve as public board member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a member of the City/County Management Association, the American Planning Association and the International Economic Development Council. I'm looking forward to being part of the great things ahead for Cincinnati. Sincerely, Odis Jones Go Cincinnati!!! |
What's Our Mission?
Facilitate the creation and retention of jobs and new investment within the City in order to expand the City’s tax base.
- Cincinnati Ohio Economic Development
- Two Centennial Plaza
- 805 Central Ave., Suite 710
- Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- 513.352.2499