Executive Director
Email Kati Thompson
419-353-3591
Kati Thompson is a creative problem-solver who works with communities and organizations to achieve collaborative change and growth. As Executive Director, she leads BGED and is responsible for industry attraction, retention and expansion. Kati takes a wholistic approach in development to ensure an increased quality of life for all residents. With her passion for relationship-building along with strategic planning and partnerships, Bowling Green is poised for continued success.
With entrepreneurial and community development roles in her background, Kati brings a broad range of experience to BGED. She continues to own and operate Eden Fashion Boutique, a contemporary women’s clothing store in Downtown Bowling Green which opened in 2016. In addition, Kati, along with three other female entrepreneurs, created Firefly Nights – a nonprofit that hosts a four-part festival series in Downtown Bowling Green. Kati holds a BA in Marketing and a Masters of Organization Development from Bowling Green State University. In her free time, Kati enjoys spending time with her husband and six children, traveling anywhere warm, remodeling their home, and riding her Peloton.
Jenny Bowers
Development Director
Email Jenny Bowers
419-353-3591
Jenny Bowers is a very determined and thoughtful professional that has a practical approach as an advocate for Bowling Green. In this role, Jenny coordinates process improvement and provides support to business partners looking to grow or expand their business operations in Bowling Green. Her attention to detail and efficient organizational planning are skills that reflect the core values of BGED.
Through her previous roles as a registered dietitian working within the WIC Program in Northwest Ohio, as an educator teaching courses within the College of Health and Human Services at BGSU, as well as working for a small business in downtown Bowling Green for the last five years. Jenny is excited to continue efforts to transform her community.
Originally from Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Jenny completed her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from The Ohio State University as well as earning her master’s degree from BGSU in Nutrition. She has been a resident of Bowling Green for over 11 years along with her husband and three children. She loves watching her children participate in numerous extracurricular activities, cooking, and enjoying nature.