About JEDCO
Staff & Leadership
The JEDCO Mission
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is an independent, yet complementary arm of Jefferson Parish government. JEDCO’s mission is to build a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy by driving the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in Jefferson Parish. From directing broad economic development initiatives to delivering small business financing, JEDCO is your partner in progress.
Be More Driven
Our Core Values
INTEGRITY
We pride ourselves in demonstrating integrity in all that we do with respect and responsibility. By following up and following through, we generate trust within our business community.
DYNAMIC APPROACH
JEDCO is adaptable and progressive. We consistently seek opportunities to deliver creative, innovative solutions to serve the needs of the Jefferson Parish business community.
COLLABORATIVE
JEDCO works to enrich and empower our community through collaborating with key partners and connecting businesses with resources to prosper Jefferson Parish.
SERVICE-ORIENTED
We are funded by the community and serve the community equitably, inclusively, and with dedication to empower all Jefferson Parish companies.
JEDCO Staff
Administration
Fun Fact
One thing I believe everyone should try at least once is experiencing the world’s best fishing without ever leaving Jefferson Parish.
Fun Fact
When family and friends visit from out-of-state, I always take them to the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie where they can view the vast length of the famous Lake Pontchartrain Bridg (which holds the record as the world’s longest continuous bridge over water). The Bonnabel Boat Launch has a playground, dog park, walking trail, tree shelters and a fishing pier. This is a great place for family fun!!
Fun Fact
One of my favorite Jefferson Parish spots is Mosca’s, an iconic Italian restaurant on the West Bank.
Fun Fact
At least once, I think everyone should try staying in a floating cabin in Bayou Segnette State Park. Fish right off the dock or charter a fishing trip. Admire the wildlife including alligators and birds. Sit out on the porch in the evenings with a cold drink and enjoy the sunset.
Fun Fact
One of my favorite spots in Jefferson Parish is Old Gretna. Everything you need for a fun afternoon or evening can be found there!
Fun Fact
One of my favorite JP spots has to be the Barataria Preserve trails in Lafitte. The wooden decks walk you through the peaceful cypress swamps, where you can event spot a gator or two.
Fun Fact
If I had a friend visiting JP for the first time, the one place I’d take them is NOLA Motorsports.
JEDCO Staff
Economic Development
Fun Fact
My favorite spot in Jefferson Parish is the Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk. Located just over the levee where Lake Avenue meets Lake Pontchartrain, this hidden gem is a great lakefront walkway with a growing marsh ecosystem on one side and incredible views of Lake Pontchartrain on the other side of the walkway.
Fun Fact
One thing I love to do in Jefferson Parish is walk the front 9 at the TPC Louisiana during the Zurich Classic, the PGA Tour’s annual stop in Louisiana.
Fun Fact
Kick off the day with a walk at Pontiff Playground in Old Metairie, hit Ground Pat’i in Kenner for lunch, and finish with a good glass of wine at Stained Glass Wine House in Gretna.
Fun Fact
If a friend were visiting JP for the first time, I would take them to Smitty’s Seafood in Kenner.
JEDCO Staff
Strategic Initiatives
Fun Fact
I have two young kids, and Le Jouet on Airline is the best toy store in the region! If you’re going there with kids, you can stop by nearby Las Cruces Tex Mex for lunch afterward – they have a wonderful outdoor patio with lawn games and chalk for kids to play with (while the adults enjoy a margarita and chips!).
JEDCO Staff
Small Business Financing
Fun Fact
I love watching the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain in Bucktown and visiting the Bonnabel Boat Launch park.
Fun Fact
One thing I love in JP is the Gretna Farmers Market on Saturday mornings along the riverfront. There you’ll find fresh produce, homemade treats, and artisan goods. It’s laid-back, friendly, and a perfect way to experience the local community vibe.
Fun Fact
One thing I love in Jefferson Parish that I think everyone should try at least once is seeing the Christmas Lights at Lafreniere Park.
JEDCO Staff
Marketing/Public Relations
Fun Fact
I am a huge fan of Historic Downtown Gretna. Amore Café is my favorite coffee shop in the entire region (it looks amazing when decked out for Halloween) is located right in the main downtown corridor. Gretna has an awesome farmers market on Saturdays, a great view of New Orleans from the levee, and in the fall, thousands of people show up for Gretna Fest, a fantastic three-day outdoor music and food festival right on the river. A must-see for locals and visitors alike!
Board of
Commissioners
The Jefferson Parish Council nominates seven members, the Jefferson Parish president appoints one representative, and 13 board appointees represent area business organizations. Business representatives serve five years, with representatives of the parish council and president serving for the duration of their nominator’s term in office.
Nominating Entity:
Greater New Orleans Black Chamber of Commerce
Josline Gosserand Frank
Chairwoman
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Business Council
Jim Martin
Vice Chairman
Nominating Entity:
Parish President Cynthia Lee-Sheng
Stephen Robinson
Treasurer
Nominating Entity:
Metairie Business Development
Joseph Riccobono
Secretary
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce East Bank
Mickal Adler
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Deano Bonano, District 2
Jimmy Baum
Nominating Entity:
Louisiana Restaurant Association
Darren Chifici
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Hans J. Liljeberg, District 5
Paula Polito
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Byron Lee, District 3
Joe Ewell
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce West Bank
Roxanne Arocha
Nominating Entity:
Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken, At-Large Div. A
Billy Douglass
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Tim Kerner, District 1
Michael O’Connor
Nominating Entity:
Jefferson Business Council
Shondra Williams
Nominating Entity:
Women’s Business Enterprise Council South
Teresa Lawrence
Nominating Entity:
Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans
Melissa O’Neal
Nominating Entity:
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
Mayra Pineda
Nominating Entity:
New Orleans Metropolitan Assn of Realtors
Robert Stevens
Nominating Entity:
Councilman Scott Walker, At-Large Div. B
Gene Sausse
Nominating Entity:
Home Builders Association
Melissa Bennett Simeon
Nominating Entity:
Westbank Business & Industry Association
Teri Tucker
Nominating Entity:
Councilwoman Arita M.L. Bohannan, District 4
Lynda Nugent-Smith
Jefferson Parish
Council and
Administration
Jefferson Parish is governed by a group of pro-business leaders who understand the value of investing in local economic progress. These elected officials work in tandem with JEDCO and other local business groups to position Jefferson Parish as a premier destination for business growth and expansion.
Jennifer Van Vrancken
Council-at-Large, Division A
Thrive more Here
JEDCO Awards and Accolades
JEDCO is one of only 73 Accredited Economic Development Organizations (AEDOs) in North America . JEDCO is the longest continuously accredited economic development organization in Louisiana & the second longest-running AEDO in the Gulf South.
for JEDCO’s achievement in developing policies, engaging stakeholders and advocating on behalf of the education and workforce needs in Louisiana – Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS)
Terrytown Model Home and Neighborhood Revitalization Project – IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards
JEDgrow Loan Program – IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards)
IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards
IEDC
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