GREENVILLE, North Carolina – In the first designation of its kind, five members of East Carolina University’s Economic Development Academy were named North Carolina Certified Economic Developers.
Each member of the inaugural class completed 84 contact hours to earn the certification, including courses in data and analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship, retention and expansion, and legal framework, among others.
The certification was created to provide continuing education and professional development courses for economic developers and to help boost the advancement of economic development leaders across the state.
“Our partnership with ECU for the N.C. Certified Economic Developer program has taken NCEDA’s leadership role in professional development to new heights,” North Carolina Economic Development Association President Randall Johnson said. “We congratulate our inaugural class of certification holders for their dedication to high standards in our field.”
Members of the inaugural certification class include:
· Cliff Brumfield, executive director, Lincoln Economic Development Association
· Cathy Barr, director of economic development, Ashe County Economic Development
· Will Carter, director, Stokes County Economic Development
· Mark Lawson, vice president economic development, Cary Chamber of Commerce
· Candice Lowder, director, Stanly County Economic Development Commission
The designees were recognized at an event at the NCEDA annual conference on June 8.
Designed and implemented by ECU’s Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, the certificate’s curriculum focused on challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina-based communities. ECU and University of North Carolina at Wilmington faculty, as well as local industry leaders from WRAL Digital Solutions, Hayes Group Consulting LLC, Nexsen Pruet LLC, and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP taught the courses.
Academy members have the opportunity to participate in certification programs for economic development professionals, like the certified economic developers program. The academy offers credentialing to the staffs of local economic development organizations that enhance the prospects for success in their careers, organizations and communities. Classes include courses in legal, financial, ethical and other aspects of local economic development in a format that is practical and accessible.
Economic development leaders interested in participating in the academy should contact ECU’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education by email at cpe@ecu.edu or register online at https://go.ecu.edu/developmentacademy.
For more information, contact:
East Carolina University News Services
Howard House, 1001 E. Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858
ecunews@ecu.edu
Phone: 252-328-6481
www.ecu.edu/news
