Howard County Economic Development Authority CEO Jennifer Jones Earns Certified Economic Developer Designation
HOWARD COUNTY, MD – September 18, 2024 – The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is proud to announce that its CEO, Jennifer Jones, has been awarded the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This esteemed certification recognizes Jones’s mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
Jennifer Jones, a recognized leader with over two decades of expertise in both the private and public sectors, has played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation in Howard County. As CEO of HCEDA, Jones has built strong connections within the local business community and spearheaded numerous initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses.
Marcellous Frye, Jr., Chair of the HCEDA Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of QUES, LLC, expressed his enthusiasm for Jonee’s achievement: “Jennifer’s attainment of the Certified Economic Developer designation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to our community. This certification not only validates her expertise but also strengthens HCEDA’s position as a driving force for economic growth in Howard County. We are fortunate to have a leader of Jennifer’s caliber at the helm, continually pushing the boundaries of excellence in economic development.”
The Certified Economic Developer program, established by IEDC, is the most prestigious credential in the field of economic development. It is designed to advance the profession by establishing high standards of excellence and demonstrating a mastery of principal elements in the field. CEcDs are recognized for their commitment to personal and professional growth.
Jones’s achievement places her among an exclusive network of over 1,200 Certified Economic Developers worldwide. This certification not only enhances her professional standing but also brings added value to HCEDA and Howard County as a whole. CEcDs are known for their ability to foster change within their communities, bridging gaps between public officials, business leaders, and community members.
“Howard County’s business community is robust and thriving, in large part thanks to the innovative leadership of Jennifer Jones,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This Certified Economic Developer designation underscores Jones’ dedication to attracting investment, retaining businesses, and fostering a business-friendly climate. Congratulations to Jennifer and we look forward to taking Howard County’s economic development to new heights.”
Jones’s dedication to economic development extends beyond her role at HCEDA. She serves on multiple boards, demonstrating her commitment to fostering growth and innovation throughout the region. Her extensive experience and newly acquired CEcD designation further solidify her role as a key figure in shaping the economic future of Howard County and beyond.
“Earning the CEcD designation is a significant milestone in my career and a testament to the collaborative efforts of our entire team at HCEDA,” said Jennifer Jones, CEcD. “This certification will further enhance our ability to foster economic growth and create opportunities for businesses and residents in Howard County.”
For more information about the Howard County Economic Development Authority and its initiatives, please visit www.howardcountyeda.org.
About Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA)
The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is the primary agency driving economic growth and business success in Howard County, Maryland. HCEDA offers a comprehensive range of resources, incentives, and tailored support to entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. At the heart of its innovation ecosystem is the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC), which provides state-of-the-art facilities, mentoring, and networking opportunities for startups and scaling businesses. HCEDA is committed to fostering a diverse and thriving business community through various financial assistance programs, including the Catalyst Fund for expanding businesses and the LIFT Microloan Fund for small businesses, with a particular emphasis on those owned by minorities, women, and veterans. Through these initiatives, HCEDA aims to promote sustainable growth and job creation, further solidifying Howard County’s position as a premier location for business and innovation.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Designation
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the largest non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers, with over 4,500 members worldwide. The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation, awarded by IEDC, is the industry gold standard for excellence in the field. It recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of core economic development principles and a commitment to professional growth. CEcDs work across various sectors, from local governments to private enterprises, fostering job creation, community development, and improved quality of life in their regions.
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Media Contact:
Jesse Trahan
Director, Marketing and Communications
Howard County Economic Development Authority
410-313-6521
jtrahan@hceda.org
