OhioSE Hired Sites Specialist to Boost Development
The new specialist will support infrastructure readiness programs for operators seeking to expand in Southeast Ohio.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Ohio Southeast Economic Development hired Nicole Havens on September 16, 2026, to oversee site readiness and infrastructure planning initiatives. Her role focuses on preparing industrial locations for business investment across the region.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a renewed focus on regional site inventory and community preparedness to accommodate industrial demand. Operators in the area can expect expanded support during site selection and infrastructure planning efforts.
Ohio Southeast Economic Development added one specialized position to its staff, marking a strategic expansion in regional infrastructure planning capacity. The move follows the appointee's completion of the Ohio Economic Development Association's Basic Economic Development Course.
The players
Ohio Southeast Economic Development
An economic development entity focused on advancing business investment and infrastructure improvements throughout Southeast Ohio.
Nicole Havens
The new sites and infrastructure specialist who previously served as the assistant director of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership.
The details
Nicole Havens will manage site selection project submissions and coordinate site visits for developers. Her work involves supporting the Ohio Site Inventory Program and the Vibrant Communities Program, both of which provide a framework for local entities to improve readiness for industrial investment.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: Nicole Havens started her position at OhioSE.
Market Landscape
This appointment aligns with the strategic requirements of the Ohio Site Inventory Program to improve regional competitiveness for industrial projects. It follows a pattern of localized infrastructure planning intended to close the gap between market demand and available development-ready land.
Businesses evaluating sites in Southeast Ohio should prepare for more granular outreach regarding project submission requirements. Investors should track these updated infrastructure programs as potential levers for local site development support.
The takeaway
Regional development agencies are prioritizing dedicated expertise to navigate site readiness and complex infrastructure planning. Operators should monitor the progress of these specific inventory programs to identify new opportunities for industrial expansion in rural communities.
Further reading
For more updates on regional leadership shifts, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chillicothe Gazette.
