New Economic & Community Development Director Appointed In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Jacqueline M. James has been appointed as Hamden’s new Economic and Community Development Director, pending the approval of the Legislative Council, Mayor Lauren Garrett announced Friday.

James succeeds Ayanna Wayner, who resigned from the position less than three months after taking the job.

James began her career in public service with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as a Forensic Investigator/Social Worker, and worked for several years with the City of New Haven’s Department of Economic Development.

“I look forward to Ms. James building relationships with our small business community and leading our efforts to fix foundations in the Newhall neighborhood,” Garrett said in a statement. “I know we will have exciting developments to share with our community soon.”

James started Feb. 10 as acting Economic and Community Development Director until her appointment is approved by the Legislative Council.

“As the Economic and Community Development Director for the Town of Hamden, my vision is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community where innovation thrives, businesses grow, and residents enjoy a high quality of life,” James said. “Together, we will create an environment that attracts investment, supports local entrepreneurs, and enhances our Town’s unique character, ensuring a prosperous future for all Hamden residents.”

Read more from the news release below:

James received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bay Path University and further went on to receive her Master of Social Work degree from Springfield College. James began her career in public service with CT’s Department of Children and Families as a Forensic Investigator/Social Worker.

For nearly 15 years, James led investigations, facilitated interviews, and assessed safety concerns to make final determinations and connect individuals with community resources.

James worked for the City of New Haven’s Department of Economic Development for several years where she served in the capacities of Deputy Community Services Administrator (CSA), Director of New Haven’s Small Business Service Center, and Deputy Director of Economic Development.

During her tenure with the City, James opened the Small Business Service Center (SBSC), which assists aspiring and current small business owners with business planning, registration, licensing and development, and provides direct access to funding sources.

Through the SBSC, and in collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven as well as a graduate of the SBSC’s training program, James organized New Haven’s first Food Truck Festival, which attracted over 20,000 attendees and raised money for micro-loan and micro-grant programs administered through the SBSC. James also opened the Small Business Academy, a first of its kind program that offers courses to future small business owners, start-ups, and existing businesses on how to start, run and grow their business. The Small Business Academy includes a small business incubator that provides office and conference room space and supports for entrepreneurs.

As Director of Community Relations for Retreat Behavioral Health, James developed and implemented comprehensive public relations campaigns to brand and promote their services, planned events surrounding community initiatives, and compassionately connected the community with services.

While working for CT’s Department of Public Health as a contractor, James led and managed outreach functions and identified gaps in COVID-19 resources such as funding, transportation, and testing sites to ensure all communities had access to vaccines and information.

James most recently established the Next Level Empowerment Program, which provides resources, support, and services for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.

With over 10 years’ experience as a local community leader, James has strategically worked towards the betterment of the community over the course of her career.

From her diverse background and steadfast focus on fostering the growth and development of small businesses, James brings abundant expertise in building strong partnerships with institutions, businesses, community organizations, municipalities and non-profits to produce positive outcomes with measurable gains for the community.