Certified Economic Developer Program

The standard of excellence for the profession.

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Just as other professions have certification and continuing education requirements, so too does economic development. IEDC’s Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs) are recognized around the world as having achieved a level of excellence in their understanding of the tools and programs of economic development.

You have the experience, skills, and knowledge of a great economic developer. Now get recognized for your achievements through the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) program.

» Learn how to become certified

Congratulations, New CEcDs

The first CEcD exam in 2010 was held in conjunction with IEDC’s 2010 Leadership Summit in Houston, TX. The exam produced a new class of CEcDs made up of economic development professionals from various regions across the country. The new designees displayed their mastery of the principal skills in economic development and their ability to quickly diagnose issues and develop effective strategies to resolve challenges and increase economic impact. A total of 9 new CEcDs emerged from the CEcD exam held on January 30th-31st. Based on their accomplishments, these practitioners will join the rest of the CEcDs in personifying the “standard of excellence” embodied by the CEcD program.

IEDC is proud to announce the following 9 individuals who have demonstrated their credentials, skills and experience to do the best job possible.

• Ms. Pam Downs, CEcD
  City of Commerce City
  Commerce City, CO

• Mr. Kevin M. Gullette, CEcD
  Stanly County Economic Development Commission
  Albemarle, NC

• Ms. Megan Henderson, CEcD
  Heart of Texas Economic Development District
  Waco, TX

• Mr. David A. Icenhour, CEcD
  Alexander County Economic Development Corporation
  Taylorsville, NC

• Mr. Scott Marquardt, CEcD
  Southwest Initiative Foundation
  Hutchinson, MN

• Ms. Susan Mazarakes, CEcD
  Longview Economic Development Corporation
  Longview, TX

• Mr. Todd A. Napier, CEcD
  The Development Corporation of Knox County
  Knoxville, TN

• Ms. Mary Ann Newton, CEcD
  West Monroe / West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce
  West Monroe, LA

• Mr. Charles David Quinn, Jr., CEcD
  Levelland Economic Development Corp.
  Levelland, TX

A Letter from the Certification Committee Chair

"CEcDs are recognized for acquiring a broad knowledge and understanding of the tools and programs of economic development that will enrich any community." Read the full text of the welcome letter from Certification Committee Chair, Thomas L. Harned, CEcD.

• Economic Development Finance Programs
February 17-19 | Lansing, MI

• Economic Development Credit Analysis
March 3-5 | Los Angeles, CA

• Economic Development Strategic Planning
March 18-19 | Springfield, MO

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