Columbus, OH – Columbus 2020 project manager Katie Murphy Hamilton has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Candidates are required to pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Hamilton joined the Columbus 2020 team in November 2010 as project manager of economic development and was appointed vice president of professional development on the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) board of directors in July 2012. She now holds the positions of president-elect and treasurer for OEDA. Hamilton is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI), an intensive weeklong, three-tier program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for economic development professionals. She also sits on the Developing Leaders Planning Committee for NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.
“Watching Katie grow as an economic development professional over the past five years has been rewarding,” said Kenny McDonald, chief economic officer, Columbus 2020. “Katie has played a significant role in many Columbus 2020 projects, helping to bring companies like Klarna and xperion to the Columbus Region. We look forward to her continued success at Columbus 2020.”
The CEcD exam was administered on March 28 and 29 in Arlington, Virginia, and tested a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, tech-led economic development and management.
Prior to joining Columbus 2020, Hamilton spent time at the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South, and the City of Columbus. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, with concentrations in economics and real estate and urban analysis.