Our Team

Mr. E. Bernard Jennings serves as the Executive Director of Lawndale Business Renaissance Association, having taken a role in its formation. Prior to assuming this role, he worked 11 years as Vice President of Industrial Programs for Lawndale Business and Local Development Corporation on Chicago’s Westside. Since beginning his economic development career in 2002, Mr. Jennings has proven himself in economic development proficiency by having completed more than $127 million in projects. He has demonstrated his ability to analyze and interpret the industrial needs and concerns of companies in the Western/Ogden, Little Village, Midwest TIF and Roosevelt/Cicero industrial corridors. Mr. Jennings is competent in the use of economic development incentives and programs available from the city, county, state and federal government. Before launching the Lawndale Business and Local Development Corporation, Mr. Jennings was the Business Development Manager for Shore Staffing Works, an affiliate of Shore Bank where he worked collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office (Chicago) on Workforce Development. He is active in the greater Chicagoland community, serving on several boards, including the U.S. 7th Congressional District’s Economic Development Taskforce and the Cook County 2nd District Economic Development Advisory Board.

Patrick Oden brings more than 20 years of hands-on entrepreneurial success and operational expertise to his role as Program Director at the Lawndale Business Renaissance Association (LBRA). A seasoned strategist, Patrick has launched, scaled, and directed multiple successful ventures across Chicago’s food and hospitality sectors. His journey began as co-owner of Leo’s Cheesecakes alongside his late brother, Leo, where he mastered high-volume manufacturing and launched a multi-state distribution network. He later founded Patrick’s Cookie Company, leveraging media features and television appearances to secure major retail distribution partnerships with Walgreens, Mariano’s, and prominent regional restaurant groups. Driven by a vision for premium retail concepts, Patrick also created The Cheezecake Boutique on Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile. The brand earned recognition as one of "Chicago’s Best Cheesecakes," supported by resources and visibility from World Business Chicago. He also has contributed operational leadership and market insights as part-owner of several Chicagoland area restaurants. Today, Patrick translates this lifetime of navigating supply chains, securing retail partnerships, and managing operations into actionable guidance, mentorship, and advocacy for North Lawndale’s business community.