Certificate of Workforce Development Fundamentals Completes Fourth Cohort

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation are proud to announce the fourth group of recipients earning the Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals. 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 inclusive workforce opportunities and outcomes.

Congratulations to the following 47 Workforce Development Fundamentals certificate recipients:

• Franklin Adams, Arizona
• Kenshundria Bailey-Allen, Georgia
• Teresa Ann Bertossi, Minnesota
• Doris Brown, Washington
• Adriana Buitrago, Florida
• Kaleb Callahan, Arkansas
• Alida Campbell, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Barbara Carr, MPA, MNM, Minnesota
• Leo Cummings, III, Arkansas
• Elizabeth Danielson, Minnesota
• Jesse DiTommaso, Montana
• Victoria Dunlap, Texas
• Eriann Faris, Minnesota
• Natalie Garza, Texas
• Karen Gibler, IOM, Nebraska
• Shaunda Hamilton, Missouri
• Lisa Hausz, MBA, PMP, Arizona
• Kevin Herrit, AICP, EDFP, Georgia
• LaToya Johnson-Davis, Virginia
• Robbie King, Texas
• Jessie Kotarski, Washington
• Lynn Kroesen, CEcD, Florida
• Brenda Linert, Ohio
• Andrea Moore, Minnesota
• Christina Mortel, EDP, Texas
• Rebecca Naragon, CEcD, MPA, Tennessee
• Sasha Nelson, EDP, Colorado
• Crystal Pee, South Carolina
• Allyson Pele, Ontario, Canada
• Shelly Purchis, Illinois
• Brenda Rigney, CEcD, Virginia
• Denisse Rodriguez, Puerto Rico
• Nahla Saleh, Virginia
• Mikki Sandin, Nebraska
• Miles Seppelt, Minnesota
• Diana Soto, Arizona
• Ashley Stepec-Bibler, Ohio
• Donalisa Stinyard, Texas
• Alexis Vance, Tennessee
• Lauryn Vargas, Ohio
• Alora Wachholz, CEcD, Texas
• Will Warren, CEcD, EDP, Ohio
• Ava Westin, California
• Skyler Wheat, Texas
• Teresa Wilke, Missouri
• Richard Wilkie, CEcD, Arizona
• Dina Wuornos, Minnesota

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 collaboration with ACCE and each of these certificate recipients exemplifies the power of partnership in advancing both economic and workforce development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “With every new cohort, the program’s reach and impact expand—fostering integrated strategies that promote economic prosperity. These leaders are shaping the future of economic development through a more connected and holistic approach."

"Congratulations to the fourth cohort participating in this certificate program. Their dedication highlights the pivotal role chambers of commerce and economic development organizations play in our communities," said ACCE President and CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. "This effort continues to garner interest from across the country, and I am excited to watch recipients work with employers to build stronger, more prosperous economies."

Learn more about this program here.