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SALT LAKE CITY — Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced Wednesday that Lorena Riffo Jenson will take the helm as the Department of Economic Development's director.
Riffo Jenson, who has served as the department's interim director since July, is the first Latina to head the department, which oversees the Salt Lake City Arts Council and the city's business development team as well as initiatives like Tech Lake City and American Rescue Plan Act Community Grants.
Riffo Jenson is the third director of the department, which was formed in 2016. She previously served as deputy director under her predecessor Benjamin Kolendar.
"Lorena is a tremendous asset to our city's Department of Economic Development. Over the past year and a half she has helped our local businesses recover from a global pandemic while strengthening ties to the business community," Mendenhall said in a press release. "I have enjoyed working with her and am confident in her abilities. Our residents will benefit from having her in this role."
Riffo Jenson has a diverse background in education and executive leadership, according to the press release. Her career has included heading Utah's hosting program during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and founding VOX Creative, a marketing and advertising agency.
"I'm grateful to work with the dedicated and passionate team in economic development," Riffo Jenson said in the press release. "I look forward to furthering the mission of making Salt Lake City a better place to not only build a business, but also a life. Through our focus on human-centered economic development, we can grow and nurture a city that fosters gainful job creation, equitable economic opportunities, thriving business districts with an emphasis on Tech Lake City and neighborhoods, and a diverse arts and culture scene."
