ACCE & IEDC Announce Third Cohort of Workforce Development Certificate Recipients

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation are proud to announce the recipients of the third iteration of the Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program. This cohort builds on the momentum of the previous groups, marking continued progress in advancing IEDC and ACCE's commitment to enhancing the skills of chamber staff and economic development professionals while expanding equitable workforce opportunities and outcomes.

Congratulations to the following 42 Workforce Development Fundamentals certificate recipients:

• Skip Alford, EDP │ FL
• Steve Baffuto │ VA
• Corry Joe Biddle │ WI
• Ethan Branch │ GA
• Courtney Cavlovic │ KS
• Mac Chandler │ WA
• Rebecca Clemens │ WA
• Kapricha Coffield │ TX
• Ann Eaton │ TX
• Tamara Fleischhaker, CCE, IOM, FCCP │ FL
• Antranette Forbes, DFCP, FRA-RP, MEDP, MPA │ FL
• Whitney Goodwin │ SC
• Maggi Gorman, Ph.D. │ NC
• Shawn Granger, MBA, MCD, PMI │ TX
• Nora Harrison │ IL
• April Hawthorne │ LA
• Justin Hilliard │ NM
• Ashlee Jones, MPA │ AL
• Haley Jones-Sides │ MO
• Ginger LaMar, IOM │ AR
• Maddy MacNeil │ MO
• Christina Misali  │ OH
• Maya Morant, MS │ SC
• Alessandra Muse │ CO
• Erica Myers │ MD
• Angelina Nguyen │ MN
• Anita Patel │ GA
• Izabela Petrykowska │ CO
• Keli Rosselli-Sullivan │ ND
• Gillian Ryan │ MI
• Sydney Ryan │ OH
• Sagal Sabrie │ MN
• Ericka Schmeeckle │ MO
• Shelby Schuh │ IN
• Anthony Segura │ TX
• Katherine Sobel │ TX
• Teresa Stockton │ GA
• Anita Stump, IOM, KyACE │ KY
• Taylor Van Pelt │ GA
• Francisca Villegas, EDP │ AZ
• Nick Walker │ WA
• Vicki Wiggins, CFRE, MBA │ FL

This joint program prepares professionals to navigate the intersection of economic and workforce development while addressing education gaps. Certificate recipients completed a rigorous six-week curriculum, including expert-led sessions, interactive learning, practical exercises, and an online exam. Upon completion, recipients earned a digital certificate and social media badge from ACCE and IEDC to commemorate their success. ACCE offered (3) points towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) program and maintenance; IEDC additionally provided (3) Level-I points towards Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) recertification requirements.

"IEDC’s partnership with ACCE and with each of these certificate recipients are examples of how we can continue to drive collaboration between the economic and workforce development sectors and professions," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "As each new cohort joins, the program’s influence and impact grows, driving economic prosperity in an integrated approach. These recipients are driving the future of economic development in a more holistic fashion."

"Congratulations to this cohort who are bringing essential skills back to their regions to address workforce challenges and promote economic prosperity. Their dedication highlights the pivotal role chambers of commerce and economic development organizations play in shaping the future of our communities," said ACCE President and CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. "This program drew interest from across the country, and I am excited to watch the catalytic leadership participants will bring to the workforce challenges employers in their communities face."

About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is a professional society serving the chamber of commerce industry focused on strengthening its 1,600 member chambers across the U.S. ACCE members represent 1.2 million organizations, nearly 3 million executives, and 70 million employees. Founded in 1971, the ACCE Foundation (ACCEF) provides chamber executives with tools, research, leadership development, and knowledge to be players in shaping the futures of their communities.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for economic developers, bringing together nearly 4,500 professionals. Members work across cities, counties, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, and more to create jobs, drive growth, and build vibrant, resilient communities. IEDC offers education, resources, and connections that empower professionals to drive meaningful change in communities and regions.