Nancy Lee McNew, Vice President of Economic Development for the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, Arkansas earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. While many take the exam multiple times before
passing, McNew passed the exam the first time.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the first ever Virtual CEcD Exam on October 3, 2020, and notified candidates of their results on October 9, 2020. With 8 years of economic development experience, Nancy Lee McNew has risen to the position of Vice President of Economic Development through her dedication to excellence and by exhibiting passion and tenacity in her relentless pursuit of projects and knowledge.
Other credentials previously earned include the Professional Community and Economic Developer designation (PCED) and Bachelor of Science/Business Administration in Management and Marketing from Arkansas Tech University.
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 has three parts and spans two days. The exam 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
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 the wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.
