FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Linzy Browne, Stafford County Department of Economic Development
540-658-8681
[December 2, 2025] Stafford, VA – The Stafford County Department of Economic Development is proud to announce that Director of Economic Development Liz Barber has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)—the industry’s highest professional honor. This nationally recognized credential signifies mastery of the core competencies of economic development and reflects Barber’s exceptional commitment to advancing economic opportunity in Stafford County and the region.
The CEcD designation is awarded to professionals who demonstrate comprehensive expertise across the field of economic development. To achieve this distinction, candidates must complete extensive prerequisite training and pass a rigorous two-day, three-part examination that evaluates knowledge and real-world application of essential economic development principles. Areas of assessment include:
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Finance and Credit Analysis
- Marketing & Business Attraction
- Strategic Planning
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development
- Organizational Management
- Neighborhood & Community Development
- Real Estate Development & Reuse
- Technology-Led Economic Development
- Workforce Development Strategies
- Foreign Direct Investment & Exporting
“Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s a career-defining milestone that demonstrates a professional’s dedication to elevating their expertise and their community impact,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Liz Barber on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world.”
Barber now joins a select group of just over 1,250 active Certified Economic Developers worldwide.
Reflecting on the achievement, Liz Barber shared:
“Earning the CEcD designation is both an honor and a responsibility. This accomplishment reinforces my commitment to delivering thoughtful, forward-looking economic development strategies that benefit Stafford’s businesses, residents, and future growth. I am proud to bring this expertise back to our community and continue the work of strengthening Stafford’s economic competitiveness.”
Certified Economic Developers serve as trusted leaders and collaborators, working closely with public officials, business leaders, and community partners to foster vibrant, resilient economies. Their expertise supports meaningful economic growth and helps expand opportunities for individuals, entrepreneurs, and industries alike.
The Stafford County Department of Economic Development congratulates Liz Barber on this outstanding professional achievement and celebrates her continued dedication to advancing the county’s economic vitality.
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About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.
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 or get connected through the monthly business newsletter.