Jenna Kavanaugh serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Invest Buffalo Niagara. Jenna sets the strategic direction of the organization, manages and directs the day to day operations, and is focused on driving continuous improvement to advance their economic development approach. Jenna raises profile of the Buffalo Niagara region as a viable place to operate and grow a business through market intelligence research and industry outreach strategies. Prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer, Jenna was Invest Buffalo Niagara’s Director of Marketing & Communications. Jenna also designed and managed the inaugural 43North Business Plan Competition entrepreneur experience and awards ceremony. She’s an experienced story teller and has showcased Buffalo’s renaissance by producing videos such as Are You Right for Buffalo?, Next Things Now, and The New Buffalo. In 2016, Jenna championed the Rise of the Rest Tour (Steve Case) as the Community Liaison to showcase the area’s startup scene; recognized by Rise organizers as top visit. Jenna has more than 20 years of marketing management experience focused on brand and business development. Prior to joining Invest Buffalo Niagara, she was Marketing Director for Visteon Aftermarket, where she was responsible for brand management, strategic development, and communications for underhood automotive aftermarket product lines. Jenna earned a bachelor’s degree in Literature with concentrations in Theater Arts and Writing from Canisius College. Jenna is a Say Yes Buffalo Mentor and a graduate of Leadership Buffalo. In 2019, Jenna was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.
“Whether meeting friends and family for coffee on unique and historic Elmwood Avenue or in the quaint village of East Aurora, you feel the same strong sense of community and tradition. Buffalo Niagara is a great place to receive an education, raise a family, build a rewarding career and cultivate friendships that last a lifetime.”