Former MCEDA exec tapped by Entergy

JACKSON- A former Madison County Economic Development Authority member is one of two new members to Entergy Mississippi’s economic developement team tapped to assist Mississippi communities expand and attract new business, Entergy spokesman Candace Coleman said.

Lauren Gurtowski is a business retention and expansion representative, tasked with assisting companies with navigating expansions, Coleman said. 

“In her role, she consults on utility capacity, workforce development, tax incentives and grant opportunities,” Coleman said. 

Previously, Gurtowski served as the chief operating officer at the MCEDA, where she assisted in several location and expansion projects yielding more than $1.5 billion in corporate investment and 2,200 jobs in Madison County. 

Gurtowski obtained a degree in international business from Mississippi State University and is a certified economic developer. She is a member of the Industrial Economic Development Council and Mississippi Economic Development Council.

Coleman said the other team member is Stacy Lester who serves as senior project manager, focusing on industrial recruitment and site development. 

“She acts as the liaison between prospective companies and engineering teams,” Coleman said. “And she works closely with state and local partners to market Entergy served sites.” 

Lester has more than 16 years of experience in state, local and utility economic development. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in polymer science and master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi. She’s a member of the Industrial Asset Management Council and Mississippi Economic Development Council.