Jaye O’Donnell
Economic Development Director
City of Mesa
Member since 2004
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.
Please describe your involvement in AAED.
Most recently, I have served one term on the Board of Directors for AAED, an extremely rewarding experience. This past year, I taught one of the sessions at the Marketing AZED Pro class and have attended the fall or spring conferences (often both) every year for the last several years. I’ve also been active with special events, including the Holiday Luncheon and the Governmental Affairs Committee Legislative Luncheon on the Lawn. I have served as a speaker at events and conferences and contributed award nominations nearly every year for the past 10 years of the Golden Prospector and EDDE Awards. I also served on a team that initiated an AAED Scholarship Fund in FY2025, scholarships that will be available for community representatives in rural or tribal communities for professional development opportunities they would not otherwise be able to afford. Finally, I was awarded the AAED Member of the Year in 2018 for organizing the Policy Impact Dinner.
Which committees have you served on?
Governmental Affairs; EDDE Awards; Policy Impact Dinner; Membership Engagement.
Why do you want to serve as a member of the AAED Board of Directors?
I have worked in Arizona for nearly 30 years, the bulk of that time in economic development with state or municipal agencies, experiencing changes with different administrations, witnessing increased industry diversification, and experiencing unprecedented economic development opportunities. Through it all, AAED remained a strong partner, a collaborator, an advocate for quality economic development, and a leader in training and education for their members and elected officials. I was elected to the Board two years ago, and I want to continue serving for another term. I will commit to helping this Board and this agency become stronger by prioritizing the key issues and the areas that will provide the best return for our membership and the industry. I am excited to engage with new and existing members to advance the mission of AAED. Thank you for your consideration!