Two Northern Virginia Economic Developers Earn Designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council
InNOVAtion truly does live in Northern Virginia.
The Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance is excited to announce that Colleen Kardasz, Assistant Director of Loudoun Economic Development and Trevor Johnson, Marketing Director of Prince William County Economic Development, have recently achieved the prestigious designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This national recognition is a testament to their mastery of skills in economic development, as well as their commitment to personal and professional growth. Their achievement demonstrates the innovative spirit of Northern Virginia and the region’s dedication to excellence in economic development.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the two-part written CEcD Exam on September 16, 2023, and notified candidates of their results after the oral exam on September 17, 2023.
“I applaud Colleen and Trevor’s unwavering dedication to achieving this esteemed economic development certification,” remarked Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun Economic Development and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. “Obtaining the Certified Economic Developer designation is a significant accomplishment and a reflection of their commitment to enhancing our region’s prosperity.”
The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:
- 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
“We are proud to have Colleen and Trevor as key contributors to our region’s growth and success,” stated Christina Winn, Executive Director of Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Treasurer of Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. “This is a remarkable milestone and the Northern Virginia area is truly blessed to have two new members of this prestigious group working tirelessly to advance economic development within our communities.”
As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities. There are currently only just over 1,200 active CEcDs in the United States.
About the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance
The NOVA EDA is comprised of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington Economic Development, Fairfax City Economic Development, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, City of Falls Church Economic Development, Fauquier County Department of Economic Development, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, City of Manassas Park Economic Development, and Prince William County Department of Economic Development.
Northern Virginia is one of the country’s most racially, ethnically, and internationally diverse regions. Women are twice as likely, and African Americans five times as likely, to work in the technology sector in NOVA than in Silicon Valley; and our communities are ranked among the most LGBTQ-friendly nationwide. NOVA offers something for everyone: some of the country’s most interesting cultural and historical sites, sports teams in all major leagues, and a dynamic food and wine scene. www.novaeda.org
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.