Nicole Havens Joins OhioSE Team as Sites & Infrastructure Specialist

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) announced today Nicole Havens as its new Sites & Infrastructure Specialist, effective September 16, 2026.

Prior to joining OhioSE, Havens served as Assistant Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership, where she worked on business retention and expansion, site and infrastructure development, grant administration, marketing, and community and investor relations. Havens worked closely with local businesses, government leaders, and regional and state economic development partners to support projects and opportunities in Jackson County.

A small business owner and lifelong southern Ohio resident, Havens recently completed the Ohio Economic Development Associations Basic Economic Development Course as well as Ohio University’s Leading in Appalachia program, further strengthening her industry knowledge and leadership within the region.

“I’m excited to bring my local economic development experience and understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing communities in southern Ohio to the OhioSE team,” said Havens. “I’ve seen firsthand how important strong partnerships are in moving projects forward and I’m looking forward to building relationships across the region and helping communities position sites and infrastructure for future investment. This region is home to me. I’m eager to help create opportunities that strengthen our communities, support our businesses, and contribute to long-term economic growth.”

As part of the OhioSE team, Havens will work closely with Donna Hrezo, Director of Sites and Infrastructure, to manage the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) and Vibrant Communities Program as well as assist with sites team in a variety of activities, such as coordinating submissions for site selection projects and preparing for site visits.

”I’m delighted to welcome Nicole to the OhioSE Sites Team.Her skills and her experience as a local economic development professional make Nicole an excellent fit for this position, and her passion for the region shines through in her work. Nicole will play a key role in revitalizing our communities, supporting speculative buildings and site development throughout our region, and helping our local partners compete for site selection projects."

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Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.