The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is excited to welcome and congratulate the 24 individuals who have recently earned the internationally recognized Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. The multiple choice portion of the CEcD exam was administered on Friday, March 1, 2024, and oral interviews took place throughout the week of March 11-15, 2024. This certification demonstrates these 24 individuals' exceptional technical expertise, comprehensive conceptual knowledge, and mastery of economic development skills and strategies.
By achieving this certification, these economic developers have shown a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to their personal and professional growth. This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores each designee’s commitment to excellence in the field of economic development.
“Achieving the CEcD designation is the highest honor for economic development professionals,” said Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. “CEcD designees are leading economic development efforts in their regions, driving more equitable economic outcomes for the communities they serve.”
The following individuals have achieved the CEcD credential:
| Cassie Arias-Ward, CEcD Economic & Tourism Development Coordinator | Executive Director City of Deming | Deming Luna County Economic Development Deming, NM |
Michael Jansen, CEcD Manager, Economic Development & Strategic Accounts Trico Electric Cooperative Marana, AZ |
| Toney Benson, CEcD Director of Project Management OneSpartanburg, Inc. Spartanburg, SC |
Emily Jerkins Hall, CEcD Workforce & Economic Development Consultant QUANTHUB Birmingham, AL |
| Amanda Benton, CEcD Economic Development Program Manager Charlotte County Board of Commissioners Port Charlotte, FL |
Christian Kurtz, CEcD Director of Business Development Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, Pflugerville, TX |
| Beka Burton, CEcD Economic Development Specialist CEDIK at University of Kentucky Lexington, KY |
Brandy Ledet, MS, CEcD Associate Director, Business Expansion Retention Louisiana Economic Development/LED Opelousas, LA |
| Everett Butzine, CEcD Economic Development Specialist Madison Region Economic Partnership, Inc. Sun Prairie, WI |
Victoria Ross-Frost, CEcD Economic Development Specialist Indiana Municipal Power Agency Carmel, IN |
| Denisse Carter, CEcD Economic Development Administrator Doña Ana County – Community Development Department Las Cruces, NM |
Bryan Rothamel, CEcD Economic Development Director Culpeper County Culpeper, VA |
| Shane Chadwick, CEcD Business Intelligence and Marketing Manager Florida’s Great Northwest Pensacola, FL |
Jennifer Schoeneck, CEcD Director of Economic Development City of Escondido Escondido, CA |
| Renee Duxler, CEcD President/CEO Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Salina, KS |
Colin Tarbert, CEcD President & CEO Baltimore Development Corporation Baltimore, MD |
| Joshua Ewen, CEcD Vice President, Economic Development Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County Sarasota, FL |
Alexandra Tranmer, CEcD Director of Industry and Workforce Camoin Associates Saratoga Springs, NY |
| Meryl Fisackerly, CEcD Chief Operating Officer The Golden Triangle Development Columbus, MS |
Shelby Wood, CEcD Senior Business Resource Management Analyst City of Westminster Westminster, CO |
| Kirsten Hall, CEcD Business Attraction Project Manager City of Surprise Peoria, AZ |
David Yonkovich-Putnam, CEcD Senior Director of Economic Development Alamance Chamber Burlington, NC |
| Payton Heins, CEcD President Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Boyne City, MI |
Betsy Young, CEcD Vice President of Economic Development Golden Triangle Development LINK Columbus, MS |
The CEcD designation establishes an industry benchmark of excellence and signifies the world's most knowledgeable and dedicated individuals in the field of economic development. It sets the gold standard for professionals who are steadfastly committed to fostering innovation, attracting investment, and driving economic growth and prosperity within their communities and around the world.
To attain this designation, candidates are required to successfully complete all prerequisite coursework and pass a rigorous and thorough examination that spans two days and consists of three distinct parts. This examination evaluates a practitioner's knowledge, proficiency, judgment, and critical thinking skills across a range of essential economic development subject areas, including:
- Business retention and expansion
- Finance & credit analysis
- Marketing and attraction
- Strategic planning
- Entrepreneurial & small business development
- Managing economic development organizations
- Neighborhood development strategies
- Real estate development & reuse
- Technology-led economic development
- Workforce development strategies
- Foreign direct investment & exporting
Certified Economic Developers serve as catalysts for change within their local communities, bridging the gap and fostering collaboration between public officials, business leaders, and community members. With an unwavering passion for championing innovative strategies and initiatives, they propel transformative economic growth and elevate community well-being. Their unparalleled expertise and dedication to excellence position them as trailblazers at the forefront of shaping the economic development landscape. They are now among 1,250 active CEcDs throughout the world.