Meet the team behind the mission: Q&A with Carrie Pastor
In our mission to recruit companies and grow jobs, the REDI Cincinnati team amplifies the region’s unique story to national and international audiences. This series flips the microphone for a look at what makes these passionate economic development professionals tick — and what they love most about living and working in the Cincinnati region.
Most often, newcomers to the REDI Cincinnati team have some knowledge of or connection to the world of regional economic development. In the case of Carrie Pastor, Director of Investor Relations, that connection is exceptionally strong. While working at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Carrie interacted regularly with REDI Cincinnati staff and became intimately familiar with the group’s mission. When a position became available, she knew it was the right move.
Carrie holds an undergraduate degree in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University.
Q: What aspects of the REDI Cincinnati mission is most exciting for you?
A: I have always admired the work REDI Cincinnati does around regionalism—reaching across the river into Kentucky and Indiana for new connections. With my background in government relations, I’m coming to economic development from a different angle, but I can clearly see how embracing a unified perspective of collaboration will benefit our entire region.
Q: What aspects of your professional experience make you well suited for this role?
A: In my government relations work with the Chamber, I had the opportunity to build relationships with elected officials and other regional leaders and advocates. So, I already had a lot of the necessary relationships and a good understanding of how REDI Cincinnati serves investors. I’m excited to build even more of those relationships in my role here.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as part of the REDI Cincinnati team?
A: This is an exciting time for the organization as we are unveiling our strategic five-year plan. I hope to review some of our processes and spend some time speaking and engaging with investors, both one-on-one and in focus groups, to decide how we can continue to strengthen relationships and be of the most value going forward.
Q: What do you enjoy most about living and working in the Cincinnati region?
A: I’m originally from Marquette, Michigan. I moved to Cincinnati from Chicago, so when I arrived here in 2014, I was glad to find that the Cincinnati region is a similarly walkable area. I live in Hyde Park, so I have a really easy commute. I love that Cincinnati in particular is a big city with a small-town feel. I also am really impressed by the region’s arts and green spaces.