Stamford Announces New Director Of Economic Development

STAMFORD, CT — This week, Mayor Caroline Simmons announced that she has picked Leah Kagan as the city's new director of economic development. Kagan currently serves as a special assistant to Simmons for economic development.

Kagan will take over for Loren Nadres, who resigned last month from her position as director.

"I am honored to be appointed director of economic development for the city of Stamford and I am grateful to Mayor Simmons for this opportunity," Kagan said in a news release. "Over the past 17 months, I have led several initiatives to advance economic prosperity for small businesses, innovation and business attraction and I look forward to continuing to advance the Mayor’s priorities in this new role. As a Stamford resident, I am invested in the future of our city and I am committed to advancing equitable and inclusive economic growth for everyone in our community."

Kagan has extensive experience working in strategic roles within municipal government and nonprofits with an expertise in financial and board management, as well as community engagement.

In her current role, she oversaw the creation of the city’s first COVID-19 Small Business Resiliency Grant of $1.5 million in ARPA funds to be disbursed through $10,000 grants. Kagan's experience also includes managing business attraction and retention efforts, workforce development initiatives, and working with the mayor’s cabinet and office staff to advance the administration’s policy priorities.

"Over the past 17 months, Leah has been an invaluable part of my team leading economic development, business attraction and retention efforts for our city," Simmons said in a news release. "She has provided strategic direction and leadership on key initiatives, and I am excited for her to step into this role."

Kagan previously served as the interim Connecticut regional director and director of development for the Anti-Defamation League. She has also served in roles at Stamford-based Americares and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

Kagan received a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from the University of Maryland, as well as an master's in international relations with a focus in economic development from the City College of New York.

She is an active member of the Stamford community and serves as co-treasurer of the Davenport Ridge Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, and a board member of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce and the Bartlett Arboretum.