Yolanda R. Owens is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in economic development, organizational management, and community revitalization. She currently serves as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA), where she oversees daily operations, manages external partnerships, and supports initiatives that strengthen Jackson’s commercial corridors and overall economic vitality.

Yolanda also serves as Director of the Farish Street Historic District Main Street Program, which was recently approved for Network status and is advancing toward full designation through the National Main Street Association. Her work on Farish Street began as a FUSE Executive Fellow, where she supported organizational restructuring, helped onboard new leadership, expanded staff capacity, and guided the organization through board approval to join Main Street America. Her leadership has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for long-term, place-based revitalization in this historic district.

Through her work at JRA, Yolanda has helped secure and support major funding efforts, including a $150,000 Delta Regional Authority grant, a $2.1 million Federal Transit Administration allocation, and a $1.5 million environmental grant application. She has also represented JRA in the Bloomberg Sustainable Cities Initiative, advancing strategies for sustainable growth and reinvestment.

Previously, Yolanda served as Executive Director of the Jackson State University Development Foundation, where she increased fundraising by 25 percent in one year, managed a $40 million endowment, and helped generate $800,000 in new endowment funding through expanded alumni engagement. Her earlier career includes roles as a civil site designer with Jacobs and a contract administrator with Kinder Morgan, giving her a strong technical foundation in infrastructure and project management.

Yolanda holds a Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University, a Certificate of Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Kennesaw State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Jackson State University.

Beyond her professional work, Yolanda is a member of Anderson United Methodist Church in Jackson and serves as Technology Chair for the Madison County (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a Silver Life member of the NAACP and a past president of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association. Through both her civic and professional involvement, she remains deeply committed to community-centered development and advancing equitable growth throughout Jackson.