FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Linzy Browne
540-658-8681
Stafford County, VA, October 17, 2024 — Liz Barber, the newly appointed Director of Stafford County’s Economic Development Department, has graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI). This milestone included an intensive 117-hour certificate program during the OU Fall session in Orlando, Florida.
This accomplishment adds to Liz’s extensive background in economic development, entrepreneurship, and leadership, further equipping her to drive growth and innovation in Stafford County. As an economic development professional with a diverse career spanning non-profit work, legislative affairs, and business ownership, Liz’s new credentials will strengthen her ability to foster local economic opportunities and build lasting relationships with businesses and community leaders in the region.
“I am thrilled to complete this rigorous program and bring back cutting-edge knowledge to Stafford County,” Liz shared. “My goal is to apply what I’ve learned to attract investment, create jobs, and ensure our community thrives. This certification enhances our toolkit and allows us to contribute even more effectively to Stafford’s economic success.”
The OU EDI program is renowned for providing advanced education to economic development professionals, offering them the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of modern economic development and drive progress in their communities. By completing the OU EDI certification, Liz joins a prestigious group of professionals who have committed to enhancing their skills and professional impact.
Barry Matherly, CEcD and Dean of OU EDI, said, “OU Economic Development Institute is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates have invested in improving their professional capabilities to support their local communities. Congratulations to all.”
OU EDI provides economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment. In addition to classwork, students receive the benefit of a strong mentoring program and intentional networking with fellow professionals throughout the Institute. Students typically take 1-2 years to complete the program through a series of intensive in-person or online courses.
About Stafford County Department of Economic Development | Stafford EDA
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development is the sales and customer service arm for Stafford County, Virginia, committed to advancing expansion and investment for the community. As the official economic development organization of Stafford County, our mission is to promote, solicit and encourage business growth through marketing and media services that enhance economic activity and quality of life within the Stafford region. Stafford County is located halfway between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. In partnership with the Stafford Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Stafford County Department of Economic Development and the EDA has helped finance and support business growth in Stafford since the EDA’s inception in 1970. In addition to business loan programs, in recent years, the EDA has helped develop a number of vacant and underused properties in Stafford and helped launch the Virginia Smart Community Testbed. For more information on Stafford’s Economic Development and the Stafford EDA, visit www.GoStaffordVA.com and www.StaffordEDA.com, and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.
About OUEDI
The OU Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) began in 1962 and is celebrating its 62nd year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), OU EDI has trained over 6,000 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development educator. The program provides up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s environment, including classwork, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
For more information about the OU Economic Development Institute, its courses, and its internationally recognized certificate program, please contact 405-325-3136 or edi@ou.edu.