SWEPCO External Affairs Manager Jennifer Harland has been awarded the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification from the Community Development Council.
The PCED designation is available to professional community developers who successfully enlist others, lead collaborative efforts and utilize all available resources to increase the economic prosperity of their communities. Applicants must obtain points based on their education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam, to receive the designation.
“I am extremely blessed to work for a company that recognizes the importance of strong communities and devotes staff to the practice of community and economic development,” Harland said.
Through her coursework, Harland is now equipped to assist in capacity building – processes and activities that maximize the potential of individuals and organizations – which will positively impact economic prosperity and social development in the communities SWEPCO serves.
“Jennifer has demonstrated dedication and leadership in Arkansas and Texas,” CDC Chairman Kay Fitzsimons said. “Her efforts have guided and shaped a strong focus on effective community development.”
In addition to her PCED certification, Harland also graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) in November 2020. The intensive 117-hour certificate program is considered the premier economic development program in the nation. It provides professional economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools to succeed in today’s changing economic development environment.