The city of Avondale, in a strategic move to strengthen its economic development, has successfully recruited Jennifer Stein for the role of economic development director; Stein brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous tenure in the same position at the city of Peoria.
Stein's transition comes after the departure of Ken Chapa, Avondale's former economic development and tourism director who served for nearly five years before leaving in June to spearhead San Bernardino's economic development department in California, this search for a suitable replacement culminating with the city offering Stein a conditional offer as confirmed to the Business Journal, with Stein anticipated to start by Oct. 31.
"A difficult one to make as my time with Peoria has been deeply fulfilling and enriching," Stein conveyed in her resignation notice to Peoria Deputy City Manager Mike Faust, praising her experience and the team she worked with, as reported by the Business Journal.
In her over two-year stint as the economic development director for Peoria, Stein oversaw the inception of significant ventures like the mixed-use Stadium Point and a major semiconductor project by Amkor Technology Inc., these accomplishments speaking to her more than 25 years in public and private sector roles, according to details provided by the ABC15 News.
Moreover, Stein's forthcoming role seems synchronous with a period of shift within Avondale's city hall, marked by the recent resignation of longtime Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise who is slated to become the government affairs director for NASCAR; Stein will also be reuniting with a former colleague, Katie Gregory who joined Avondale as the new assistant city manager in August.
