Meet Kate Wendel: An interview with our new Economic & Workforce Development Manager

Congratulations to Kate Wendel, our new Economic & Workforce Development Manager. Kate has been part of the JEDCO team since 2016. Before taking over as the manager of the Economic Development Services department very recently, she was our Economic Development Specialist. She brings a myriad of skills and knowledge to this position through her work over the years.  Kate is out in the community regularly to meet with business owners and to provide support on many important projects, so there’s a good chance you may already know her.  As Kate takes on this new role at JEDCO, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share a few details about why she loves working in economic development in Jefferson Parish! We asked her the hard-hitting questions and we’re so excited to share her answers with all of you!

Tell us about yourself. We want to know what makes you tick!
I have lived in New Orleans for 40 years, but may never fully be considered a native since I don’t drink coffee or eat seafood.  Prior to joining JEDCO, I worked in hotels, tourism and the shopping center industries, and am a proud graduate of the University of New Orleans, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism.

You’ve been with JEDCO for a few years now. What is your favorite part about working here?
I have always had such a high opinion of JEDCO so I am thankful every day for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization.  Every day is different, and every day we are helping people through our efforts to attract, grow and create jobs in Jefferson Parish.

Can you talk a little bit about working with businesses in Jefferson Parish? What excites you about the role that you play in supporting them?
Jefferson Parish is home to a wide array of industries, and the advantages of doing business in Jefferson Parish are numerous.  We are able to educate current and prospective business owners about the opportunities available to them, through one on one meetings and networking opportunities.  From assisting with site selection, incentives, workforce development or financing, JEDCO can help businesses grow and thrive, and that’s a great feeling.

What’s next for the economic development team here at JEDCO?
First priority is to fill the vacant role of Economic Development Specialist to complete our amazing team of Mary Martens, our Business Retention & Expansion Specialist and Margo Ruiz, our Economic Information & Incentives Coordinator.  We are having a very productive year and look forward to finishing the year strong with a new member of our team.

Can you share a little known fact about yourself?
I lived in 12 places before moving to New Orleans to begin high school, including New Mexico, California, Arizona, Texas and 3 other towns in Louisiana.  . .  including 2 years in Grand Isle – not very many people can say that!  I am blessed to make my home here, and that my two adult sons, their wonderful wives and my three grandchildren . . . with the fourth arriving in December . . . are all in the area as well.

Any parting words before finish this interview?
I come to work at JEDCO everyday knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be – working with a team of professionals committed to making a difference for the companies and people of Jefferson Parish, and what’s not to love about that?!

Thanks for sharing, Kate! We’re so excited to celebrate your new role and look forward to new and exciting projects coming out of the Economic Development Services department soon!