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ACCE Foundation and IEDC Announce Second Cohort of Workforce Development Certificate Recipients

Education and Talent / January 9, 2025

The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) are proud to announce the recipients of the second iteration of the Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program. This cohort builds on the momentum of the inaugural group, 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 59 Workforce Development Fundamentals certificate recipients:

  • Benedicte Axboe, GCDF │ South Carolina
  • Janice Kim, MA │ Kentucky
  • Celeste Banda │ Maine
  • Karen Kunkel │ Missouri
  • Jennifer Berti │ Texas
  • Lukas Lindner, MBA │ Wisconsin
  • Meaghan Bisson, MHRT-C │ Maine
  • Kathy MacAdams, MS │ Maryland
  • Melissa Boltz │ Illinois 
  • Michelle Margeson │ Kansas
  • Stacy Borgeson, MBA │ Iowa
  • Vinicia Mascarenhas │ Florida
  • Jennifer Bosser, CEcD │ North Carolina
  • Jeanine McKenna │ Kansas
  • Rita Braswell │ Georgia
  • Mary McNairy, IOM │ Alabama
  • Robby Brice │ Washington, DC
  • Corrie Melton │ Florida
  • Miriam Castillo, MBA, IOM │ Texas
  • Alexa Motil, MA │ Missouri
  • Cutter Chamberlain, MPA │ Arizona
  • Francesca Parent │ California
  • Jessica Christen │ Indiana
  • Hope Frances Rangel │ Texas
  • Charlotte Christian, MA │ Georgia
  • Crystal Romanyszyn, CAE, IOM │ Oklahoma
  • Jocelin Dean │ Ohio
  • Shari Schenewerk, MA │ Missouri
  • Regina Duncan, CAE, CCE, CDMP, IOM, MBA │ Florida
  • Danielle Seals, MS │ Tennessee
  • Phillip Faust │ North Carolina
  • Stacey Sikes, MA │ New York
  • Anita Fischer │ Florida
  • Sheila Smith, JD │ Wisconsin
  • Nancy Flock │ Colorado
  • Kim Spreder │ Kentucky
  • Lara Fritts, MS, CEcD, FM │ Maryland
  • Keri Stevens, MA, AICP │ Georgia
  • Amber Gaddis │ Georgia
  • Leanne Stowers, BREC │ West Virginia
  • Elizabeth Gallegos │ Tennessee
  • William Strang, JD │ Illinois
  • Nicholas Gow │ Florida
  • Summer Sturm │ North Dakota
  • Kai Hamilton │ Missouri
  • Deloise Tate, MPPA, BREP │ Mississippi
  • Kendall Henderson │ North Carolina
  • Robert Thompson, CWDP, MBA, SMC │ Colorado
  • Jack Herkowski │ Wisconsin
  • Kaitlyn Tyler │ Ohio
  • Ashley Hilsman │ Louisiana 
  • Shannon Viera, IOM │ North Corolina
  • Marquita Himes, CBEP │ Washington
  • Emily Waisanen │ Wisconsin
  • Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE, IOM │ California
  • Stephani Womack, EdD │ Georgia
  • Monica Holdaway │ Utah
  • John Zakian, CEcD │ Massachusetts
  • Heather Kasten, MBA │ Florida
  

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.

"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."

"IEDC is honored to recognize the second cohort of certificate recipients for their remarkable achievements in completing this program," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "As each new cohort joins, the program’s influence grows, propelling economic growth, talent development, and sustainable business practices in an integrated approach. Together with ACCE, we are shaping the future of economic and workforce development."

 

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