New Orleans Shifts Jenny Mains After 6 Months, Names Jeff Schwartz Deputy Mayor

1 articles · Updated · NOLA.com · Jun 22

Jenny Mains is leaving New Orleans' deputy mayor post for economic development less than six months after taking it, moving into a special advisor role focused on international partnerships and economic growth.
Jeff Schwartz, now head of the Office of Community Development, will take over as deputy mayor for both economic and community development as Mayor Helena Moreno combines the portfolios under one leader.
Moreno said the reshuffle is meant to tie investment more closely to neighborhood outcomes, while Mains will work on relationships with business leaders, investors, trade groups and international partners.
Schwartz previously led the city's economic development office for more than six years and backed projects including the River District, the new Shell headquarters and redevelopment of the former Navy Support Activity site.
The move marks Moreno's first top City Hall staff change since taking office on Jan. 12 and comes days after regional business group GNO Inc. said CEO Michael Hecht will shift to an emeritus role after 18 years.