Vanessa Goeschl, vice president of research for the Charlotte Regional Partnership, has earned her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. The national recognition denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Goeschl manages economic and demographic data, conducts custom research upon request and provides support for various economic development initiatives and projects for the 16 counties within the Charlotte region. An economic development practitioner for eight years, Goeschl earned an M.S. in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a B.A. in international relations from Boston University.

The CEcD designation sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day exam administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning and management. There are currently more than 1,200 CEcDs in the United States.