The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Jennifer Luengas-Otto as a new Director of Economic Development. In this role, Jennifer will lead Story County outreach and also serve as the Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council (NEDC), supporting business growth, retention, and community development efforts throughout the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the Alliance team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Her experience supporting small businesses, building strong partnerships, and leading regional initiatives will be a tremendous asset to our region.”
Prior to joining the Alliance, Jennifer played a key role in launching a regional entrepreneurship initiative serving eight counties in West Central Iowa. Through this work, she partnered closely with local economic development organizations, resource providers, and business owners to strengthen local capacity, coordinate resources across county lines, and improve access to business support in rural communities.
Jennifer was selected for the first national cohort of the Economic Recovery Corps, a highly competitive, place-based fellowship led by the International Economic Development Council with 65 sites nationwide. Her work represented the only fellowship placement and project in the state of Iowa, focusing on cross-sector collaboration and strategies related to entrepreneurship, business retention, and workforce-connected growth at a regional scale. She also brings experience in community banking, with a background in real estate lending and related transactions.
In addition to her professional work, Jennifer has served on community boards and supported local organizations through volunteer service and civic involvement.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family, and staying actively involved in the community.
Luengas-Otto began her position on February 2 and can be reached at jennifer@amesalliance.com.