IWFCT News

Amazon Exec, Glendowlyn Thames, Joins IWFCT

New Member


Glendowlyn (Glen) Thames is on the Amazon’s Global Economic Development team, part of the company’s Public Policy organization, as the Head of Economic Development for the Global Economic Development team for the States of CT, MD and NY.

In this role Glen is responsible for delivering value and assistance to Amazon business verticals and its affiliates such as entry to market strategy, public-private partnerships, and expansion efforts to name a few. To date, Glen has played a pivotal role in Amazon’s expansion of its core fulfillment, last mile delivery, corporate offices, and other operation facilities bringing multi-milliondollar investments and thousands of jobs to communities. In addition, she plays an integral leadership role in Amazon’s Supplier Diversity efforts that have enabled Amazon to surpass its $100M spend commitment with CT-based diverse owned and small businesses.

Prior to joining Amazon, Glen led an intentional career in the public sector for over 15 years. More recently, Glen served as Deputy Commissioner, COO & CFO for the CT Department of Economic and Community Development. She was a key contributor in Governor Lamont’s COVID response, inclusive economic growth strategy, community and small business support programming, workforce development, and business recruitment, retention and expansion strategy.

Formerly, she was founding Executive Director of CTNext, LLC where she managed a full array of technology-based economic development programs focused on fostering entrepreneurship, startup and growth stage businesses on behalf of the State of Connecticut. She has deep domain expertise in public policy, public finance, economic development, small business finance, corporate governance, and organizational leadership.

Glen received a B.B.A from Hofstra University and a MA in Public Policy & Law from Trinity College. She was the 2022 recipient of the CT Woman’s Business Development Council’s Impact Award as well as a recipient of the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT. In addition, she has served on many quasi public and non-profit boards and was an elected member of the Hartford City Council from 2016-2020 serving as Council President.

Additional information about Glen can be found at the following Link

More Info:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glendowlyn-thames-57330b101/