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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) announced that nine members have recently earned credentials as South Carolina Certified Economic Developers (SCCED). The newly certified economic developers were recognized Oct. 10 during the organization’s Midyear Members Meeting.
The nine certified members represent a range of backgrounds and industries across the state:
- Tony Allen, business recruitment manager, S.C. Department of Commerce
- James Bateman, economic development director, Greenwood County
- Ann Broadwater, director, Fairfield County Economic Development
- Gilleon Frieson, rural program manager, S.C. Department of Commerce
- Kristin Lanier, client development manager, Terracon Consultants Inc.
- Holly McCrary, business development manager, Davis & Floyd
- Michelle McDonald, deputy director, Dorchester County Economic Development
- John O’Toole, executive director, Beaufort County Economic Development Corp.
- Ashley Richardson, deputy director, Charleston County Economic Development
“During their time in this rigorous and extensive program, these recipients have shown their dedication to excellence in the field of economic development,” said Tavia Gaddy, president of the SCEDA Board of Directors. “Beginning with a competitive application process, recipients are required to complete the Advanced Symposium, a series of advanced-level courses for professional economic development practitioners. The attendees learn in an interactive environment with coaching from economic development experts, consultants and private industry representatives.
“We are extremely proud of each graduate and welcome them to our distinguished cadre of South Carolina Certified Economic Developers.”
This distinction is awarded to only a few applicants each year. Since the program began in 2001, just 131 professionals have earned the SCCED certification.