PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Nov. 29, 2022) — The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) is pleased to announce nine economic developers and business professionals from across the state have earned their AZED Pro designation from The Academy of Arizona, AAED’s formal education program.
To earn an AZED Pro certification, economic development professionals must complete seven courses including Economic Development in Arizona; Business Retention and Expansion; Taxation, Finance, and Incentives; Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development; Marketing and Business Development; Workforce Development; and an elective.
The Academy of Arizona, presented by AAED, is a formal education program aimed at ensuring Arizona’s economic development and business professionals receive the most current and relevant training in topics pertaining to the practice of economic development in Arizona. A structured ongoing professional development program is required to maintain the AZED Pro designation.
AZED Pro graduates announced at the 2022 AAED Fall Forum last month in the City of Maricopa:
- John Ahumada, AZED Pro, Town of Queen Creek
- Tennille Hiller, AZED Pro, City of Buckeye
- Sheila Hunt, AZED Pro, City of Peoria
- Tricia Lewis, AZED Pro, City of Cottonwood
- Rogelio Martinez, AZED Pro, City of San Luis
- Ashley Mazariegos, AZED Pro, City of Buckeye
- Christian Price, AZED Pro, Maricopa Economic Development Alliance
- Andrew Ridley, AZED Pro, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
- Ryan Wissmann, AZED Pro, Town of Marana
“Gaining AZED Pro designation is a differentiator when it comes to the overall expertise and knowledge of economic development and business professionals,” said AAED Executive Director Carrie Kelly. “This commitment ensures that these professionals have the tools they need to continue propelling Arizona communities forward.”
About AAED
The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) was founded in 1974 with a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. The Association works to promote economic development in the State of Arizona through an exchange of information and educational opportunities among its members, to act as a liaison with outside groups, to influence legislation affecting economic development, and to empower members to create relationships to improve the economic outlook for Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.
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