Economic Development 2023: JENNIFER WAKEFIELD

Assuming her current role in 2021, Wakefield served as interim president and CEO twice for the Greater Richmond Partnership, a regional economic development organization for Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico. She has also been the partnership’s chief operating officer and senior vice president of marketing. Previously, she served as Orlando Economic Development Commission’s (now Orlando Economic Partnership) marketing and communications vice president for 11 years, and she earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees at the University of Central Florida and the University of West Florida.

The partnership works closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and local economic development officials to attract business investment in the state’s capital region. Among GRP’s recent triumphs is the Lego Group’s groundbreaking this year on its $1 billion manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County. Since January 2022, GRP has helped secure 12 projects that are expected to invest $1.48 billion in the region.   

Wakefield is an International Economic Development Council board member and is active on several regional boards, including the University of Richmond Robins School of Business’ Executive Advisory Council.

WHAT MAKES ME HAPPIEST: Watching teen movies with my kid