Six Georgia professionals recently earned Georgia Certified Economic Developer certification through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
The Georgia Certified Economic Developer (GCED) program offers economic development professionals Georgia-specific training that is directly applicable to their communities’ economic success. Participants complete 60 hours of course work and a capstone portfolio project to receive their GCED certification.
Coursework includes practical, skills-based training and offers two specialty tracks to choose from: Industry Knowledge or Leadership Development.
This year’s GCED graduates were honored at the Georgia Economic Development Association 2026 Spring Workshop at The Westin Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah.
2026 Georgia Certified Economic Developer Graduates
Jason Powell, Vice President, Carroll Tomorrow
Tom Choi, Consultant for East Asian Businesses to Georgia
Karaey Davis, Program Manager, Economic Development, City of Mableton
Melissa Roberts, Director of Tourism Development, Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
Jeremy Spradlin, Area Manager Northeast, Georgia Power
Brittni Nix, City Administrator, City of Dacula