Q&A with Downtown OKC's Jane Jenkins

VeloCityOKC: You didn’t expect to make a career of revitalization, but it has captured your attention for the past 35 years. What drew you to this work in the beginning?

Jane Jenkins: What attracted me initially about downtown revitalization work was the emphasis on historic preservation and the opportunity to work with the history of a place and its built environment. I think places, like people, are more interesting when they have a past. When you develop a richer understanding of that past, it makes planning the future more interesting and rewarding; you are building on an established foundation. I did not consider myself knowledgeable about small business or economic development, but I learned fast and saw how connected and important all these disciplines, plus the importance of a strong organization, are for a vital downtown.

What convinced you to say yes in 2009 to join DOKC as president and CEO?

It really didn’t take much convincing. I was familiar with the state and was excited about the opportunity to return. I attended college in Tulsa, taught school in Chandler and Tulsa, and started Main Street programs in Wagoner and Pawhuska. When I worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Oklahoma was part of the region, and I had the opportunity to meet several people involved in the early revitalization of Oklahoma City. They knew I liked the state, so when the job became available, they contacted me to ask if I was interested. I was because I knew what this community was capable of, and what Oklahomans could do when they had a shared vision.

"The future is exciting because the leaders will do what's necessary not only on the investment side, but on the implementation side. It's just a great example of a community that has worked together, and continues to work together, to make a difference for itself."

Downtown Oklahoma City has experienced tremendous growth and changes during your time with DOKC. What would you say is one of your greatest accomplishments?

I am most proud of the staff I was able to assemble. They are smart, dedicated and passionate about the importance of an urban environment, both ecologically and socially. During the pandemic disruption, we had an opportunity to evaluate our services and the programs that were most important to our ratepayers and businesses. We focused on a more constituent-based service approach, expanding the district manager program so that every district knows they have a voice and that their issues are being considered in the larger community. We brought in Block by Block and the Green Team to deliver a higher level of street level services. We also focused on brand awareness, business support and street-level maintenance.  That was all part of the COVID pivot; try to get back to the core values that make us who we are. I'm proud of that.

What are some of your fondest memories?

Oh my goodness, there are so many! I think about some of the early Thunder days and the excitement that was generated by having the team. The groundbreaking and ribbon cutting for the Devon Tower was a huge event for downtown Oklahoma City. It was always special to celebrate a new year with Opening Night with friends. I am so glad that I got to go to at least one Angels and Friends party at Stage Center. I would just say I've been here almost 14 years and collectively, it's all a good memory.

What excites you about the future of DOKC and Oklahoma City as a whole?

Overall, it's the momentum that's been created by the leadership here and the folks who are committed to this mission of making downtown Oklahoma City belong to the whole community. I don’t remember that momentum when I lived here in the 1970s and 80s. The future is exciting because the leaders will do what's necessary not only on the investment side, but on the implementation side. It's just a great example of a community that has worked together, and continues to work together, to make a difference for itself.

What advice would you give to young professionals as they look ahead in their career? Is there anything you wish you would have known earlier in your career?

When I was managing the downtown in Denton, Texas, a woman I admired very much told me: “Don't worry if you don't have a vision for the next three to five years, just always be open to opportunity and things will work out.” Best career advice I have ever received. Sometimes we get hung up because traditional career patterns tell us we must plan our next career steps or establish five years of personal goals or develop a personal brand. But I think always being open to opportunity is the best advice that I could give any young professional.

Not only should young professionals be open to opportunity, they also need to be aware of the opportunity that is out there. Be true to yourself. Some people are planners, other people are not, but regardless of whether you are or you're not, being able to recognize opportunity when it's there is important.

"I think places, like people, are more interesting when they have a past."

What’s next for you? What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

I am looking forward to cleaning out my closet and my kitchen (!) and spending more quality time with my husband, friends and my family in South Carolina. I’d like to travel more and be a better volunteer in my community. But seriously, as I would advise others, I will have my eyes open for the opportunities in front of me.  I am passionate about downtowns and the importance of downtown to the greater community. I intend to pursue projects that will keep me in the realm of city building. I want to continue to work with downtowns and cities to improve their urban areas.

As DOKC looks for its next president and CEO, are there any updates you’d like to share?

The search committee has hired HRS Executive Recruitment to assist them and the position is posted on our website. A detailed opportunity profile is available at: http://downtownokc.com. Electronic applications can be sent to [email protected], with the subject as ‘DOKC CEO.’ The application deadline is Sept. 23, 2022.