KJK is proud to welcome Stephanie Mercado as a Partner in the firm’s Economic Development Practice Group. Stephanie’s background is in economic and business development, including business attraction and expansion, site selection, economic incentives negotiations, and compliance.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to KJK,” said Laura Englehart, Chair of KJK’s Economic Development Practice Group. “Stephanie has managed more than 500 projects to help companies grow and expand in Ohio, and her depth and breadth of experience will add tremendous value to our clients.”
Stephanie is skilled at maximizing both public and private resources to solve a company’s development and growth challenges relating to real estate, infrastructure, utilities, environmental concerns, workforce, and other factors that companies consider when relocating or expanding their business.
Prior to joining KJK, Stephanie served as Senior Director of the JobsOhio Regional Office at Team NEO, a regional nonprofit organization working to advance economic development in Northeast Ohio, where she led projects across all major industries. During her seven years as Senior Director, Stephanie helped secure commitments of more than 20,000 new jobs and $3 billion in new capital investment to Ohio. Stephanie also served as a Commissioner on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and as the Executive Director of Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from John Carroll University and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Stephanie is a board member of the Western Reserve Rowing Association. Her former involvement has included positions with the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association and various supplier diversity councils.
Contact Stephanie by email at smmercado@kjk.com or by phone at 216.736.7272.