The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is excited to welcome and congratulate the 41 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, August 9, 2024, and oral interviews took place throughout the week of August 19-23, 2024. This certification demonstrates these 41 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:
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Kurt Anderson, CEcD |
Jennifer Jones, CEcD |
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Bruce Armstrong, CEcD |
Maria Kuhns, CEcD |
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Casey Bingham, CEcD |
Isaac Lee, CEcD |
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Christopher Buck, CEcD |
Holly Malish, CEcD |
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Kaycee Bunch, CEcD |
Louise Marquez, CEcD |
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Merry Hunter Caudle, CEcD |
Eric Meyer, CEcD |
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Kelley Chrisse, CEcD |
Ian Mills, CEcD |
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Nickoles Clason, CEcD |
Mark Minnig, CEcD |
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Crystal Connally, CEcD |
Spencer Mitchell, CEcD |
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Priscilla Cordero, CEcD |
Teresa Morris, CEcD |
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Colette Cox, CEcD |
Casey Peterson, CEcD |
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Melissa Dailey, CEcD |
Adam Phillips, CEcD |
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Diane Drussell, CEcD |
Shahid Rana, CEcD |
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Megan Duhon, CEcD |
John Sherwood, CEcD |
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Julie Emslie, CEcD |
Ebony Stocks, CEcD |
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Greyson Evans, CEcD |
Casey Stowe, CEcD |
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Tina Garver, CEcD |
Benjamin Vickers, CEcD |
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Billy Hamilton, CEcD |
Rickelle Williams, CEcD |
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Justin Heather, CEcD |
Jamie Zastrow, CEcD |
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Christopher Jacobs, CEcD |
Yvonne Zhao, CEcD |
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Richelle Johnson, CEcD |
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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.