ACE Cohorts

Congratulations to the California ACEs!

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

Note: Titles and organizations stated are from time of certification.

Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) Logo

  • Claudia Calderon, Community Development Director, City of Porterville
    “CALED’s ACE Certification strengthened my economic development knowledge, expanded my professional network, and provided practical tools and insights that better equip me to drive meaningful, sustainable impact in the community I serve.”
  • Michael Cham, Property Manager, City of LA – EWDD
    “The CALED Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) certification program has been incredibly rewarding, providing training on a breadth of economic development best practices that are highly relevant to my work. The opportunity to network with fellow economic development professionals has been invaluable, offering meaningful connections and ongoing support for growth in the field. I highly recommend CALED courses (ideally in person), including the Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program (‘Keys Course’) and the Advanced Institute for Economic Development, to anyone pursuing excellence in economic development.”
  • Janay E. Conley, MBA, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Fresno
    “The ACE program reinforced my purpose as an economic developer passionate about driving impactful, positive change while equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to advance our city and local economy. Thank you, CALED and the California Academy for Economic Development, for your endless support of our industry leaders.”
  • Tanner Etherton, Economic Analyst, Cal Poly Humboldt
    “The ACE Certification provided practical tools, peer connections, and a deeper understanding of economic development that I apply directly to serving communities.”
  • Miranda Evans, Deputy Community and Economic Development Director, City of Riverside
    “The CALED ACE program delivers practical, high-impact economic development training and is an essential resource for economic developers, specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of working in the world’s fourth-largest economy.”
  • Brigiett Guzman, Housing and Homeless Coordinator, County of Kern
    “The ACE Program certification deepened my understanding of the intersection between economic development and housing and homeless services, empowering me to design solutions that expand economic opportunity, strengthen housing stability, and improve overall quality of life for Kern County residents.”
  • Jose Jimenez, Director of Economic and Community Development, City of Azusa
    “Coming from a foundation in zoning and planning, I sought a deeper, more integrated understanding of economic development, and the CALED ACE Certification delivered the rigorous training and professional confidence needed to advance thoughtful, community-centered growth.”
  • Alida Verduzco Silva, Economic Development Manager, County of Tulare
    “From the moment I entered the field of economic development, CALED was there to help guide me with a teaching path that started with the KEYS course and provided numerous in-person and virtual professional development and networking opportunities. Pursuing ACE accreditation helped deepen my understanding of my role and my appreciation for the meaningful impact this area of discipline can make in shaping communities by contributing to thoughtful and sustainable growth in the interest of strengthening local economies and improving quality of life for residents and visitors. Thank you, CALED.”

  • Trevin Barber, Economic Development Manager, City of Modesto
  • Eric Ceja, Assistant City Manager, City of Indian Wells
    “CALED’s ACE program greatly enhanced my understanding of a broader range of Economic Development concepts and programs. Network opportunities with a variety of professionals and colleagues allowed me to gain valuable insights and forge connections that are essential for continued growth in this field. The exposure to diverse perspectives and best practices has equipped me with the tools necessary to drive impactful economic strategies in my community.”
  • Raissa de la Rosa, Interim Deputy County Executive, Economic Vitality and Community Services, County of Marin
    “If you work in economic development and are curious about becoming ACE-certified, take the leap! The Advanced Institute proved not only to be an engaging refresher on ED tools and practices new and old, but the connections I made with my cohort, the instructors, and with CALED staff from the Advanced Institute through the exam are invaluable.”
  • Paolo Kespradit, Business Development Manager, City of West Hollywood –
    “Earning the ACE Certification has been a significant professional milestone, equipping me with additional resources and tools to better serve my community while expanding my network and enhancing my expertise in economic development.”
  • Melissa McClain, Acting Economic Development Manager, City of Moreno Valley
    “Earning my ACE certification has enhanced my ability to lead, innovate and create lasting economic opportunities, empowering me to tackle challenges and drive impactful change across communities and industries.”
  • Austin Ramirez, Economic Development Director, City of Downey
  • Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo, Economic Development Director, City of Indio
    “CALED’s training program, starting with the Keys Course and advancing to the Advanced Institute, provided me with a strong foundation and in-depth understanding of economic development. I’m proud to have applied this knowledge through the ACE exam and earned my Accredited Economic Developer certification.”
  • Paul Sloan, Economic Development Manager, City of Paso Robles
    “The CALED ACE Certification program has been an exceptional resource, offering valuable insights and practical tools that are directly applicable to fostering economic growth and enhancing community development. I am incredibly proud to have earned my ACE Certification and look forward to applying the knowledge I’ve gained to create lasting, positive impact in the local community I serve.”

  • 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 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 for Economic and Community Development, 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, Deputy Economic Development Manager, City of Newark
    “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.”

  • Amanda Boudreault*
    “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, City Manager, City of Twentynine Palms
    “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 & CEO, Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce*
    “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, Economic Development Manager, City of Big Bear Lake
    “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 skill set in the realm of local economic development.”
  • Kyle Warsinski, Senior Project Manager, City of Riverside
    “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.”

  • Scott Adair, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Santa Rosa
    “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.”
  • Eric Romero, Pier H Bureau Manager, 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 and Community 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, Deputy City Manager, 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, Business Development Program Manager, City of Murrieta
    “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, Economic Development Manager, City of Lancaster
    “Thank you CALED for creating a robust program to help advance the field of economic development across the state.”

  • Andy Haussler, City Manager, 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, Director of Economic Development and Legislative Affairs, City of Lake Elsinore
    “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, Acting Economic Development Manager, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Rural Exchange 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.”
  • 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, City Manager, 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
    “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 Manager, City of Pacifica
    “With more than 30 years in business development and seven 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.”

  • Chris Constantin, MPA, CIA, CFE, CLS, CECFE, Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
    “California is best served by advanced economic developers with broad expertise and an ACE certification.”
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Alameda
    “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, Economic and Community Development Director, Calaveras County
    “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, RSG, Inc.
    “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, Chief Economic Development Officer, 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, Deputy City 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, Economic Development Director, City of Susanville
    “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, 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.”

Recertified and Past ACEs

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:

  • Cecelia Griego; ECD Principal Planner, Economic and Community Development Dept.; City of Bakersfield
  • Stone James, DPPD; City Manager; City of Twentynine Palms
  • Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager, City of Big Bear Lake
  • Kyle Warsinski, Economic Development Director, City of Moreno Valley

  • Scott Adair, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Santa Rosa
  • Wayne Olson, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Palm Desert
  • Eric Romero, Pier H Bureau Manager, City of Long Beach
  • Gabriel Salazar, Economic Development Specialist
  • Jami Westervelt, Economic and Community Development Director, City of Gustine
  • Hazel Wetherford, Deputy City Manager, City of Dublin
  • James Wurtz, Business Development Program Manager, City of Murrieta
  • Sydney Yeseta, Economic Development Manager, City of Lancaster

  • Kayla Charters, Acting Economic Development Manager, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Rural Exchange Coordinator, CALED
  • Chris Constantin, Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Alameda
  • 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, Director of Economic Development Director and Legislative Affairs, City of Lake Elsinore
  • Kevin Ham, Director, RSG, Inc.
  • Andy Haussler, 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, Deputy City Manager, City of Porterville
  • Randy Saffold
  • 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

  • Curtis Williamson (February 2020–February 2023)
  • Joel Hermosillo (November 2021–November 2023)
  • Amanda Hernandez (November 2021–November 2023)
  • Michael Luna (November 2021–November 2023)
  • Nancee Robles (October 2020–October 2023)

Honorary ACE Designation

Headshot of Gurbax Sahota 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 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.