OEV Staff Earns Economic Development Certificate

To achieve the highest levels of program performance and to ensure best practice service provision as Tallahassee-Leon County’s leading economic development organization, OEV staff has undertaken several professional development opportunities to further their education and leadership within the profession. Cristina Paredes, Engagement and Operations Deputy Director, is now the second staff member to successfully complete a certificate in economic development from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. This executive development program provides professional economic developers with cutting edge knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s constantly changing economic development marketplace.

This certificate is a critical step toward earning a Certification in Economic Development (CEcD), which is required for Tallahassee – Leon County to be considered for the International Economic Development Council’s Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) Program. There are approximately 1,110 Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) worldwide that represent the industry gold standard for excellence in the profession. These opportunities inform the strategy and program of work by the staff, making the Office of Economic Vitality a higher-performing organization. Once staff have received certification as credited economic developers, the process of becoming an AEDO can begin.

Cristina was also recently selected as a participant in Class 35 of Leadership Tallahassee, whose mission is to cultivate a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community. Officially with OEV for one year, Cristina is committed to building strong alliances and networks across all sectors of the community while working continuously to leverage ideas, innovations and intellectual capital in coordination with economic development partners.

Congratulations to Cristina on both of these achievements!