UT Center for Industrial Services Certifies New Economic Developers
The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) celebrated the 22nd graduating class of its Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program on October 28. This milestone brings the total number of Tennessee Certified Economic Developers to an impressive 144.
“This group tackled real challenges facing Tennessee communities – from childcare shortages to preserving natural resources while pursuing economic success to elevating customer service as an economic strategy,” said TCED Program Director Tintin Czach. “What excites me most is the range of communities they represent and how they each developed solutions that fit their unique situations. These graduates didn’t just check boxes – they created strategies that will make a real difference across the state.”
The graduation ceremony at the UT Institute for Public Service (IPS) Training Center in Nashville showcased exactly that kind of innovative thinking, with final Capstone Project presentations highlighting each graduate's vision for their community.
TCED candidates completed a week-long Basic Economic Development Course, along with six core courses and eight elective hours focused on economic and community development, totaling 92 instructional hours. The program gives professionals a comprehensive understanding of economic trends, tools and core components to help their communities compete and thrive in today's global economy.
Meet the Fall 2025 TCED Graduates:
- Ben Barnett, Director of Economic Development for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Capstone: “Flipping the Switch: A Utility-First Approach to Winning in Economic Development”
- James Matthew Billings, Economic Development and Grants Specialist for the City of Cookeville
Capstone: “Tennessee Tech as an Economic Driver for the Upper Cumberland: A Practitioner's Perspective on Leveraging Local Assets”
- Alex W. Brown, Assistant Director for Development Services for the City of Franklin
Capstone: “How to Balance Sustainable Growth and Citizen Satisfaction with Road Impact Fees”
- Ryan Egly, President & CEO for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Capstone: “Rural Economic Development: Local Practitioners as an Incentive”
- Tessa Gwyn, Economic Development Coordinator for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
Capstone: “Balancing Natural Resources and Economic Growth”
- Jennifer Hamblen, Director of Development Services and Economic Development for the City of Mt. Juliet
Capstone: “The Mt. Juliet Way: Elevating Customer Service as a Catalyst for Economic Growth”
- Rachael McKinney, Community Relations Director of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce
Capstone: “From Local Investment to Lasting Impact: Leveraging Assets, Philanthropy, and Community Capital for Economic Development and Tourism in Obion County”
- Josh Ward, Vice President of Industrial Development of the Clarksville-Montgomery County IDB
Capstone: “Tackling Tennessee's Childcare Crises: Clarksville's Solution to a Growing Challenge”
UT CIS is especially grateful for the commitment shown by the TCED graduates. They were truly invested in the program and took their coursework and Capstone Projects very seriously. They consistently showed up in a big way and are now better prepared to make significant impacts in each of their communities.
As new members of the TCED Alumni Group, these graduates have access to ongoing education, valuable networking, and a strong statewide community of economic development professionals.
