Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) Program

Certification Program for California Economic Developers                                                           

The Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) program is a certification program offered through a partnership between the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) and the California Academy for Economic Development.

The ACE program prepares participants to effectively create, manage and implement economic development programs in California’s unique environment. At the end of successful completion of all program requirements, the participant will earn ACE certification which can help set them apart in their field.

Standard Requirements for ACE Certification:

  • Completion of Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program(“Keys Course”)
  • Successful completion of Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute) courses demonstrated by a passing score on the course quiz for each subject
  • Meet the relevant experience requirement below (subject to ACE Advisory Committee review/approval):
    • Completion of at least four years of paid professional experience (public and/or private sector) in the field of economic development. [Provide resume, summary of experience, and two references]
    • The resume and summary of experience provided must demonstrate experience in 4 out of 8 economic development core areas below. [Provide a summary of project work for each core area as well as your role in the work*]:
      1. Business attraction: How to market your community
      2. Developing an economic development strategy
      3. Basic and advanced financing techniques – business & project finance
      4. Business retention and expansion techniques
      5. Business Creation: entrepreneurship support systems and programs
      6. Real estate development and reuse
      7. Community economic development strategies
      8. Managing an economic development organization – public, private, or nonprofit
  • Successful completion of ACE Exam as decided by a panel of senior economic developers and related fees (see details below)

*To assist you in understanding the level of detail required in your summary, here is an example of a statement demonstrating experience in the core area of business retention:

In my role as economic development director for County of XXXX, we created a business retention program to show our existing businesses that we value their presence and contributions to our county. Every Thursday, county staff would partner with a county supervisor and the local chamber to visit local businesses to thank them and see if there was anything we could do to assist them. My role was to develop the program, create the methodology for who to visit along with the talking points for the visitation team. I managed two staff that implemented the program and worked with them to identify the program’s metrics for success for eighteen months.

ACE Exam Process:

Successful completion of the ACE Exam requires comprehensive knowledge of economic development through work experience as well as the content covered in the Keys Course and the Advanced Institute. The format of the exam is a case study which includes a written report (e.g. staff report or memo) and presentation to be prepared by the candidate on a specific economic development scenario. The case study must address at least four of eight core economic development areas and tie into the community’s economic development strategic plan, the economy at large, as well as how the economic development activity in the scenario improves residents’ quality of life.

The ACE candidate will be given between two and three weeks to prepare the report and slide deck presentation detailing how they plan to approach and resolve the scenario. The candidate will present this material to panelists on the scheduled exam appointment date via an online platform. An important part of the exam includes an interactive period where the panelists will request further detail and/or question the candidate’s approach which the candidate will need to defend.

Pathways to ACE Certification (including fees):

Please view the Pathways to ACE Certification to see related fees and how one can become accredited via the Standard Pathway (Keys Course and the Advanced Institute) or through special circumstances which include a Keys Course Waiver, waiver of certain Advanced Institute courses, or for those with CEcD accreditation.  

Click here to view the various Pathways to ACE Certification

Contact Helen Schaubmayer at helen@hjhmw.com for questions and to get your name on our contact list.

 

Congratulations to the California ACEs!

In order to be ACE-certified, students must meet successful completion of all program requirements including the Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program (also known as the “Keys” course), the Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute), passing the ACE Exam, and direct work experience.

Congratulations to those who successfully completed all requirements and are now Accredited California Economic Developers (ACEs)!

2023 Class Cohort:

  • Carina Campos,  Management Analyst II, City of Rancho Cucamonga – “As a recipient of a scholarship for the Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program “Keys Course” at the start of my career, I’m proud to have earned my ACE certification. I’m a testament to CALED’s continued commitment to advancing the economic developers of tomorrow for the prosperity of the communities we serve.”
  • Marissa Cardwell, Senior Economic Development Analyst, City of Burbank – “CALED is a wonderful professional resource, and the ACE Certification Program has provided me with excellent tools and networking opportunities to better support Economic Development in my community.”
  • Anthony Carnesecca, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Los Altos – “CALED has been extremely influential in allowing me to grow professionally through continuous trainings and advancement opportunities while also expanding my network to many other wonderful colleagues from other jurisdictions that I wouldn’t normally meet.  This certification is the culmination of excellent and engaging education from CALED.”
  • Mark Hamilton, Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Chowchilla –
    “As a Director of Community and Economic Development and a Team California Board Member, I am thankful for the CALED community and the ACE Certification Program.  Going through this program has provided me with the resources necessary to establish local programs, build a sustainable community, and tools needed for a prosperous economy.  I look forward to growing future connections with CALED and other Economic Development Professionals.”
  • Julieta Martinez, Economic & Workforce Development Director, Kings County
  • Harumi Murata, Economic Development Analyst, City of Oakley – “Participating in the ACE certification process was highly enriching and effectively addressed, the wealth of knowledge and insightful discussions that were part of the certification process proved to be invaluable resources.”
  • Dusty Russell, MPA Economic Development Analyst, City of Thousand Oaks – “Advancing economic development in your community requires skills to analyze a wide range of opportunities to build community wealth and ultimately improve quality of life for all residents beyond the short-term. The ACE program is designed to help you build and refine these skills so you can help enhance your community’s economic prosperity, sustainability and resilience into the future.”
  • Katie Simmons, Deputy Administrative Officer – Econ & Comm Dev, Butte County Administration
  • Amber Tarrac, Founder and CEO, FounderFuego LLC – “The CALED ACE accreditation is the premier economic development certification tailored specifically for California’s unique landscape. I am grateful to engage tools, resources, and the network built through this program to advance opportunities for diverse founders.”
  • Angela Tsui, Economic Development Manager, City of Walnut Creek – “As an Economic Development professional CALED’s ACE program provided me with the opportunity to further refine my skills and expertise in continuing to build a vibrant and robust local economy.  I am honored to be recognized as an Accredited California Economic Developer.”

2022 Class Cohort:

  • Amanda Boudreault,  Sr. Management Analyst, City of San Marcos – “Pursuing the ACE accreditation is an excellent opportunity to not only study economic development principles but also get to know industry peers across the state. In-depth lessons in conjunction with practical real world application lays a foundation to best serve local businesses and communities.”
  • Cecelia Griego, Economic Development Principal Planner, City of Bakersfield – “I am grateful for the ACE Certification Program and the convening of us that work in this challenging field. It is an honor to be part of this amazing group of economic development professionals.”
  • Stone James, DPPD, MRED, Economic Development Director, City of Cathedral City – “The CALED accreditation program was a valuable investment of time and energy as the program deepened my knowledge of and expertise within California’s unique economic development environment.”
  • Todd Jones, President, Shasta County Economic Development Corporation – “Participating in the ACE program sharpened my ability to creatively develop new solutions, expanded my network within the economic development industry, and gave me tools to help build emerging communities.”
  • Kelly Tinker, Management Analyst, City of Simi Valley – “CALED’s ACE certification offers the unique combination of a wide-lens overview of economic development concepts without ever seeming overly generalized, as well as a detailed look into practices and principles without getting bogged down in the minutia.  A robust and well-rounded program recommended for anyone hoping to advance their knowledge and skillset in the realm of local economic development.”
  • Kyle Warsinski, Economic Development Manager, City of Beaumont – “I am a career Economic Development Professional with 15 years’ experience in the field and found the ACE program to be informative, interactive, and of great benefit to me as a professional in the field.”

2021 Class Cohort:

  • Scott Adair,  Director of Economic Development, County of Humboldt – “As a public servant it can be challenging to choose between all of the industry and professional development opportunities which are available to economic developers. CALED’s ACE program was certainly worth both the cost and the dedication of time. I am glad that I chose CALED’s program above others and would encourage any of my peers to participate in the program.”
  • Joel Hermosillo, Management Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Amanda Hernandez, Economic Development Administrator, City of Barstow – “Participating in the ACE program sharpened my ability to creatively develop new solutions, expanded my network within the economic development industry, and gave me tools to help build emerging communities.”
  • Michael Luna, Chief Administrative Analyst – Real Estate & Union Station, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) – “Going through the ACE certification was a great experience and filled a void for California Economic Developers. The knowledge and discussions shared during the certification process was an invaluable source and will be used to better communities throughout the Golden state.”
  • Eric Romero, Business Development Officer, City of Long Beach – “The ACE certification offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for California economic development professionals to participate in a comprehensive training program that will prepare them to build resilient, vibrant, and equitable local and regional economies.”
  • Gabriel R. Salazar, Associate Planner, City of Riverbank – “The ACE program is very beneficial and rewarding for those seeking to enhance their professional practitioner experience and hoping to become better stewards of economic development in their communities. Thank you, CALED, for providing economic developers in California with this invaluable opportunity.”
  • Jami Westervelt, Economic Development Director, City of Gustine – “I believe Economic Development to be a very human endeavor, providing us the chance to make a difference in communities by helping them to become more livable and prosperous, and I am honored by this accreditation and thankful for the tools and training California Association for Local Economic Development provides.”
  • Hazel Wetherford, Economic Development Director, City of Dublin – “I am very thankful to CALED for the development and implementation of the Accredited California Economic Developer program as it showcases the diverse talent across the State of economic development professionals who are hard at work, making sure their communities are thriving.”
  • James Wurtz, Economic Development Manager, City of Banning – “As an Economic Development Manager, I am thankful for the CALED community and the ACE Certification Program. Both have provided me with the resources necessary to build a strong, diverse and sustainable community. I look forward to forging a stronger connection with the organization  and the Economic Development professionals throughout the state.”
  • Sydney Yeseta, Assistant Manager – Economic Development, City of Lancaster – “Thank you CALED for creating a robust program to help advance the field of economic development across the state.”

Winter 2020 Class Cohort:

  • Andy Haussler, Community & Economic Development Director, City of Clovis — “Achieving the ACE credential in 2020 is very timely as our local communities critically need leadership on a wide range of economic development challenges, thank you CALED for providing this level of training for such a time as this.”
  • Gina M. Gonzalez, M-URP, Economic Development Director, City of Menifee — “The ACE program fulfills a need for California Economic Developers by providing a respected avenue for assessing a high level of knowledge, skills and proficiency in Economic Development- which is expected  to carry over into the communities they serve.”
  • Kayla Charters, Economic Development Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Event Coordinator, CALED — “I highly recommend CALED’s ACE Certification Program for anyone who is involved in economic development – the classes are very informative and the tools available in the program are very useful.”
  • Michelle Stephens, Program Director, CALED — “The ACE certification was a great opportunity to enhance my economic development knowledge and training while connecting with other experienced economic development practitioners. It is a great way to take the profession to the next level.”
  • Nancee Robles, Executive Director, California Pollution Control Financing Authority — “I am proud of earning my ACE Certification and will use what I’ve learned to advance the economic development of our State to help improve the well-being and quality of life for Californians.”
  • Nicole Hinkle, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, County of Placer — “CALED prepares students to carry out an array of Economic Development skills. The ACE program taught me what I was looking to learn, was well-organized, and well-paced.”
  • Patrick Martinez, Director of Development Services, City of Needles — “The ACE program not only brought together industry leaders to share their institutional knowledge with us but also facilitated an environment to grow with a cohort of my peers creating life-long professional relationships.”
  • Randy Saffold, CRSS, Sr. Management Analyst, City of Manteca — “The ACE Certification coursework  is delivered by experienced professionals in an incredibly accepting and loving environment, both in-person or online, and I am happy to be counted in the second cohort of ACE certified economic development professionals.”
  • Tara Schiff, Economic Development Specialist, County of Mariposa — “With more than 30 years in business development and 7 years in economic development with the County of Mariposa, I am grateful for the ACE program to solidify my position as a California economic development professional.”

Spring 2020 Class Cohort:

  • Chris Constantin, MPA, CIA, CFE, CLS, CECFE, City Manager, City of San Dimas —  “California is best served by advanced economic developers with broad expertise and an ACE certification.”
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Fairfield — “Even though I have worked in the field of Economic Development for almost 20 years, I was very interested in being an Accredited California Economic Developer and was excited to be part of the first class.”
  • PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark — “I recommend the ACE Certification for new and seasoned economic developers. It provided me a critical foundation in understanding economic development. I’m honored to be part of the inaugural class. Thank you CALED!”
  • Kathy Gallino, Director, Calaveras County Economic & Community Development — “Being a part of CALED’s ACE Certification inaugural class really validated my years of experience and knowledge in the Economic & Community Development field. I met some truly amazing people that I can call colleagues and friends. Thank you for this professional growth opportunity.”
  • Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager, City of Oceanside — “Working toward the ACE certification was a great experience; thanks, CALED for making this program happen!”
  • Kevin Ham, CEcD, HLM, Director of Economic Development, City of Vista — “The ACE program fills a need for California economic development professionals by providing them with an educational foundation and then assessing their skills to make sure that they have a high level of proficiency for the communities they work for and the businesses they serve.”
  • Wayne Olson, Senior Development Analyst, City of Palm Desert — “I have worked in and around economic development since 1997. I am currently employed as a Senior Analyst with the City of Palm Desert where I am responsible for working with developer partners in structuring and managing strategic initiatives, including P3 projects.”
  • Jason Ridenour, Economic Development & Housing Manager, City of Porterville — “The ACE certification program was informative and provided insight into the varied aspects and tools available for economic development in California.”
  • Tamra Spade, President/CEO, Tracy Chamber of Commerce — “Grateful for CALED providing the necessary educational classes to obtain my ACE certification. I have learned so much and continue to use my training to help in all aspects of economic development.”
  • Michael Washam, Associate Director, Economic Development and Planning Resource Management Agency, County of Tulare — “I have expertise in commercial real estate, business finance, CEQA requirements, land use and planning regulations specializing in rural development within the renewable energy, agricultural, industrial, healthcare and retail sectors.”
  • Curtis Williamson, Business Development Specialist, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation — “Spearheading the growth and retention of businesses in Fresno County for the past two and a half years.”

Recertified ACEs in 2024:

Every three years, ACEs must complete requirements to recertify and keep their ACE status valid. We congratulate the following ACEs that successfully met these requirements:

  • Scott Adair, Director of Economic Development, County of Humboldt
  • Wayne Olson, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Palm Springs
  • Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager, City of Dublin
  • James Wurtz, Business Development Program Manager, City of Murrieta

Recertified ACEs in 2023:

Every three years, ACEs must complete requirements to recertify and keep their ACE status valid. 2023 was the first year that the first cohorts of the ACE program were up for recertification. We congratulate the following ACEs that successfully met these requirements:

  • Kayla Charters, Economic Development Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Rural Exchange Coordinator, CALED
  • Chris Constantin, City Manager, City of San Dimas
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Fairfield
  • Pannie (PJ) Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark
  • Kathy Gallino, Economic & Community Development Director, Calaveras County
  • Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager, City of Oceanside
  • Gina M. Gonzalez, Economic Development Director, City of Menifee
  • Kevin Ham, Director , RSG, Inc.
  • Andy Haussler, Assistant City Manager, City of Clovis
  • Nicole Hinkle, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, Placer County Office of Economic Development
  • Patrick Martinez, City Manager, City of Needles
  • Jason Ridenour, Community Development Director, City of Porterville
  • Randy Saffold, Senior Management Analyst, City of Manteca
  • Tara Schiff, Economic Development Manager, City of Pacifica
  • Tamra Spade, Economic Development Director, City of Susanville
  • Michelle Stephens, Program Director, CALED
  • Michael Washam, Associate Director-Economic Development & Planning, County of Tulare

CALED CEO Gurbax Sahota Awarded Honorary ACE Designation

The Board of Regents for The California Academy for Economic  Development (The Academy) awarded Gurbax Sahota, President and CEO of the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) an Honorary Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) designation for her statewide leadership in economic development policy and programs. Past Academy Regents Chair Bruce Kern noted that this award acknowledges Ms. Sahota for her tireless efforts to support CALED members and ensure that they have the educational and training resources they need to be effective in their communities.  [Read the full announcement here.]