The Jeffco Economic Development Corp. has a new president and CEO who plans to highlight the stories of the county and its swath of businesses. 

The Jeffco EDC announced on Thursday that Carrie Kelly will take the helm on Aug. 18, a month after former CEO Jansen Tidmore left after five years to join the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m really honored to step into this role. Jefferson County is really such an amazing county. It has some of the most vibrant communities in Colorado,” Kelly told The Denver Gazette.

Prior to accepting the role, Kelly worked as managing director of the Site Selectors Guild and as the executive director of the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

Now, Kelly will help the Jeffco EDC’s mission to boost Jefferson County’s economy by creating, keeping and growing jobs, while also supporting a business-friendly environment where companies can thrive.

But, to Kelly, that starts with learning about the wants and needs already established within the community.

“It’s meeting with the investors, local leaders, businesses and community stakeholders to really understand what their aspirations are and their pain points, as well,” she said.

Kelly also plans on promoting the uniqueness of the county to both highlight local businesses to customers and the area to potential business movers. 

“Telling Jeffco stories,” she said, is her priority. “How do we attract businesses to the community with those stories? I see a lot of opportunities in that realm.”

She said her expertise in site selection should help ease qualms regarding speed to market and land usage in the county, and she does not have many concerns about stepping into the new role.

“It is so nice that it’s already developed,” she said of Jeffco and the EDC, which works directly under an umbrella with chambers of commerce and business organizations. “Now it’s just taking it to the next level.”

She added that Jeffco already has strong ties to the aerospace manufacturing industry, a diverse talent pool with nearby schools and an advantageous location between Denver and the mountains.

The county has over 41,000 businesses and Jeffco EDC has provided $5.2 billion in capital investment targeting jobs that align with the county’s talent base over the past five years, according to the EDC’s website.

“(Kelly) sees the big picture while understanding the day-to-day effort required to move a region forward. Her leadership will be vital as Jeffco EDC continues to grow its reach and impact,” Tony Giarratano, Jeffco EDC board chair, said.