Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Michigan First

Meet Jennifer

Jennifer Owens is the chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, where she leads the organization’s efforts to strengthen the regional economy and position Southwest Michigan as a competitive, forward-looking market for business investment and growth.

In this role, Owens oversees a comprehensive economic development strategy spanning business retention, expansion, and attraction; workforce and talent development; entrepreneurship and small business growth; and strategic community development across a seven-county region. She works closely with business leaders, government partners, and key stakeholders to drive job creation, investment, and long-term economic vitality.

A certified economic developer, Owens brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning state, regional and local economic development roles across Michigan. She previously served as president of Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa counties, where she led the organization’s vision and strategy for more than a decade and helped position the Lakeshore region as a premier destination for business growth and talent attraction.

Before joining Lakeshore Advantage, Owens held senior leadership positions at Southwest Michigan First and Consultant Connect, as well as key roles at Ann Arbor SPARK and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Her experience provides a unique perspective on economic development at the local, regional, and state levels, as well as on the relationships and strategies needed to compete for business investment and talent.

Known across economic development circles as a decisive, action-oriented leader, Owens is respected for translating big-picture vision into measurable results. Her leadership has earned her wide recognition, including honors from the West Coast Chamber of Commerce and regular recognition by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business as one of West Michigan’s Most Influential Leaders.

Owens is passionate about building strong communities and creating the conditionsthat enable both businesses and people to thrive. She brings a collaborative, results-driven approach to her work and is committed to strengthening Southwest Michigan’s position as a place where businesses can invest, grow, and succeed.

Outside of work, Owens and her husband, Mike, enjoy keeping up with their three energetic, athletic sons and the full schedules that come with them.