June 22, 2026
RALEIGH, NC, JUNE 22, 2026 – Twelve North Carolina economic development professionals were recognized for their recent certification in the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED) Program offered in partnership with East Carolina University (ECU) and the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA).
The NCCED Program provides practical knowledge in the practice of economic development in North Carolina to economic development personnel, elected officials, business leaders and others interested in the field. This certification reflects their dedication, expertise, and commitment to advancing economic development across the state.
NCEDA honored those newly certified at their Annual Conference held in Wilmington on June 18, 2026.
NCEDA certified the following members:
Bryan Eatmon, Person County Economic Development
Nick Farmerie, Ashe County
Julie Graham, North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region
Tiffany Henry, Jackson County Economic Development
Nancy Johnston, North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Ray Jordan, Sampson County Economic Development
Julie Kruse-John, Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce
Mary Jane Lyonnais, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments
Michael Matthews, Edgecombe County
Derrick McArthur, City of Fayetteville Economic Development
Johnnie Taylor, City of Lexington
Emily Yeager, East Carolina University
