Jeff Pinkerton and Lori Dunlap receive Missouri Certified Economic Developer (MoCED) designation from Missouri Economic Development Council

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today that Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research, and Lori Dunlap, Project Manager for the Regional Engagement Division, have earned the Missouri Certified Economic Developer (MoCED) credential from the Missouri Economic Development Council.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jeff and Lori for their achievement and commitment to honing their economic development skills,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development and President of the Missouri Economic Development Council. “The MoCED certification process is another way we provide professional development opportunities to strengthen our team while carrying out our mission of helping Missourians prosper.”

As Director of Economic Research, Pinkerton leads DED’s analysis of state and national economic trends while providing subject matter expertise for the department’s divisions and teams. Dunlap, as Project Manager for the Regional Engagement Division’s Southeast team, serves as a first point of contact for businesses and communities to promote their growth and development.

The MoCED designation acknowledges Missouri economic development practitioners’ commitment to advancing the state’s economy and elevating the profession. To achieve the designation, candidates must pass a rigorous exam to demonstrate a broad understanding of Missouri’s economic development assets and their ability to serve as a knowledgeable resource and liaison for businesses and communities as they grow and thrive in Missouri.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Economic Development Council

The Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) is the authoritative voice on economic development and related issues in Missouri. A statewide, nonprofit association of economic development professionals and community leaders, MEDC has been the unified voice of Missouri economic developers since 1979. For more information about the MoCED program, visit showme.org.