Mayor Helena Moreno’s pick to lead New Orleans’ economic development efforts as a deputy mayor is moving to a new role before her six-month anniversary on the job.
Jenny Mains, the deputy mayor for economic development, is leaving that position to serve as Moreno’s special advisor focused on international partnerships and economic growth, according to a Monday news release.
In the announcement, Moreno, who hired the former physician to be the city’s top business booster in January, said Mains will help “cultivate relationships with business leaders, investors, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, trade organizations, and international partners while identifying opportunities that support New Orleans’ long-term economic growth.”
Jeff Schwartz, who is director of the city’s Office of Community Development, will become deputy mayor for economic development and community development, according to a City Hall spokesperson. He served as the city’s director of economic development for more than six years under Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Mains is the first top City Hall staffer to change roles since Moreno took office on Jan. 12. And she became the region’s second top economic development official to announce a job change in the last week after the June 18 announcement that Michael Hecht, president and CEO of the business booster Greater New Orleans Inc., will transition to an emeritus role at the end of the year. Hecht has led the nonprofit organization for the last 18 years.
Incoming Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Jenny Mains addresses Mayor-elect Helena Moreno during a press conference at the Great New Orleans Foundation in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
As a deputy mayor, Mains led the city department charged with expanding job opportunities, attracting private investment and supporting small business growth. In a March interview, she said her priorities would be building on the city’s strengths as a shipping and logistics hub, redeveloping eyesores that have been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina and focusing on renewal in New Orleans East.
Neither Mains nor Schwartz responded to a request for comment about their changing job roles. But in a prepared statement, Moreno said bringing the city’s economic development and community development together under one leader will help “ensure that growth reaches every part of our city and that our investments create stronger communities.”
She added that Mains “has been a tireless advocate for New Orleans” and that the new position will let her focus on building relationships and attracting investments that will bring “new opportunities for our residents and businesses.”
During his previous tenure leading the city’s economic development efforts, Schwartz was a champion of the River District real estate development and the new Shell headquarters building that’s been under construction since early 2024.
Moreno also announced Monday that Deputy Mayor of External Affairs Renee Lapeyrolerie will serve as the administration’s point person for New Orleans East economic development projects.
“We are committed to unlocking the tremendous potential of New Orleans East and ensuring it receives the attention and investment it deserves,” Moreno said.
