UT CIS Certifies 7 New Economic Developers
The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) recently marked a major milestone--celebrating the 21st graduating class of its Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program. This latest group of leaders brings the total number of Tennessee Certified Economic Developers to an impressive 135.
“These graduates have shown remarkable dedication in earning this designation,” said TCED Program Director Tintin Czach. “Their expertise will be a huge asset to their communities, helping to drive growth and lead innovation across the state. We’re excited to see the positive impact they will have on Tennessee’s future.”
The graduation ceremony, held at the UT Institute for Public Service (IPS) Training Center in Nashville, featured final Capstone Project presentations--each one a powerful reflection of the graduate’s learning and vision for their community.
TCED candidates completed a week-long Basic Economic Development Course, along with six core courses and an elective course focused on economic and community development, totaling 92 instructional hours.
The TCED Program gives professionals a comprehensive understanding of economic trends, tools and core components to help their communities compete and thrive in today’s global economy.
The Spring 2025 TCED graduates are:
- Jodi Barnard, Director of Business Development for the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce. Her Capstone project was titled “Utilizing a Brownfield Site to Support the Hamblen County Recovery Court Program.”
- Lori Diane Barton, Economic Development Specialist for the UT Center for Industrial Services. Her Capstone project was titled “Fostering Growth: Positive Outcomes of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program in Tennessee’s Most Vulnerable Communities.”
- Martin Michael Garland, Planning Commissioner for the City of South Pittsburg & Industrial Development Board Member of Marion County. His Capstone project was titled “Connect South Pittsburg.”
- Kayla Hampton-Hargrove, Tax Information Analyst with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Her Capstone project was titled “The Effectiveness of Tax Credits and Helping Companies Continue to Grow.”
- Monica Cravens Heath, Executive Director of the McKenzie Industrial Development Board/McKenzie Chamber of Commerce. Her Capstone project was titled “Developing an Internship Program in a Rural, At-Risk Community.”
- Victor Oakley, Chief Performance Officer with East Tennessee Human Resources Agency. His Capstone project was titled “The Digital Divide: Economic Disparity and Workforce/Economic Development.”
- Hope Vargas, Executive Director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Her Capstone project was titled “Small Marina Ignites a Thriving Economy in Rural Tennessee.”
As new members of the TCED Alumni Group, these graduates gain access to ongoing education, valuable networking, and a strong statewide community of economic development professionals.