PCDA’s Lori Henderson earns top professional certification

Lori Henderson, the Director of Operations for the Ponca City Development Authority, was awarded the “Certified Economic and Community Development” (CEcD) certification by the International Economic Development Council late last month at the IEDC’s Leadership Summit held in Las Vegas.

Henderson earned the honor by passing a two-day examination conducted by the IEDC.

According to the IEDC, the CEcD certificate “demonstrates that an individual has the breadth of knowledge to perform at the top level in the profession.”  Only nine people in the State of Oklahoma have earned the certificate and PCDA is the only organization in the state that has two people certified.

“This is a very difficult recognition to earn,” said PCDA Executive Director David Myers.  “In addition to working in the field for several years, you must also complete an extensive curriculum of courses and pass a very rigorous two-day exam.  Just to qualify and be approved for the exam is an honor, and Lori joined three dozen accomplished, talented professionals that were approved for testing in Las Vegas.  She was one of only 10 to pass the exam and one of a very few to pass it on the first attempt.”

Henderson’s responsibilities at PCDA include the management of the new City Central project, which includes the oversight of a $1.275 million grant from the Economic Development Administration.  She has also served as the Authority’s lead person in the preparation of proposals and continues to serve as the Authority’s Financial Manager. Henderson is a member of the Oklahoma Economic Development Council and the Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team.

Myers said that there are “significant” benefits to Ponca City from having someone with the certificate.

“It’s very important when you are dealing with someone who does not know our community.  The CEcD tells them they are dealing with one of the top professionals in the field and that they are in capable hands. This builds confidence in Ponca City and makes companies and site consultants far more likely to work with us.”

Henderson joined PCDA in 2012.  She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and Blackwell High School.