Ohio Southeast Economic Development Hired Nicole Havens

The regional agency appointed the former Jackson County official to a role focused on site and infrastructure readiness.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing a leveled earthen industrial plot with a single utility conduit, representing regional site preparation. — Ohio Southeast Economic Development has appointed Nicole Havens as a sites and infrastructure specialist to manage regional property readiness and investment projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Ohio Southeast Economic Development hired Nicole Havens on September 16, 2026, as a sites and infrastructure specialist. This new position supports efforts to prepare regional properties for industrial and business investment.

Why it matters

The appointment strengthens the organization's capacity to manage site development programs, which are essential for attracting new business to the region. By bringing in experienced staff, the agency aims to streamline site selection and regional infrastructure planning.

Havens brings professional experience from the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership and specialized training from the Ohio Economic Development Association and Ohio University. Her work focuses on the Ohio Site Inventory Program.

The players

Nicole Havens

She is the new sites and infrastructure specialist at Ohio Southeast Economic Development who previously worked for the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership.

Ohio Southeast Economic Development

This is a regional agency dedicated to facilitating economic growth and industrial site development across the counties of Southeast Ohio.

The details

Havens will manage site selection project submissions and coordinate site visits for prospective investors. She is tasked with advancing the Vibrant Communities Program while supporting regional readiness for future business expansion.

Nicole Havens started her position at OhioSE on September 16, 2026.

Market Landscape

The hiring of specialized talent reflects a broader trend of regional organizations professionalizing their economic development staffing to better compete for industrial investment. This shift highlights a competitive landscape where communities with high-readiness sites are better positioned to attract manufacturing capital.

This appointment may lead to more successful business recruitment efforts in the region, potentially creating local jobs and infrastructure improvements. Residents and business owners in Southeast Ohio can expect a more active pursuit of industrial site readiness projects.

The takeaway

Regional agencies are increasingly prioritizing site readiness to maintain competitive advantages in a tight national market. Developing local expertise is a key strategy for counties looking to ensure their properties remain attractive to industrial prospects.