The International Economic Development Council Proudly Awards Angela Ryan the Certified Economic Developer Designation

August 19. 2025 [Bastrop, TX] - Angela Ryan has earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Angela’s commitment to excellence in the field of economic development. 

“Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s a career-defining milestone that demonstrates a professional’s dedication to elevating their expertise and their community impact,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Angela on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world.” 

The CEcD designation is a prestigious acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals in the field of economic development, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the industry. To attain this designation, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous and comprehensive examination, consisting of three parts and spanning two days. This examination assesses a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, judgement, and critical thinking abilities in the following areas of economic development: 

• Business retention and expansion 

• Finance & credit analysis 

• Marketing and attraction 

• Strategic planning 

• Entrepreneurial & small business development 

• Managing economic development organizations 

• Neighborhood development strategies 

• Real estate development & reuse 

• Technology-led economic development 

• Workforce development strategies 

• Foreign direct investment & exporting 

“This certification has been a professional goal of mine for many years,” said Angela Ryan. “I am honored to join the ranks of CEcDs across the country who are committed to excellence in economic development. I’m proud to bring this knowledge and perspective back to the community I care so deeply about.” “Angela’s CEcD certification is not just a personal achievement—it’s a win for Bastrop,” said Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino, Interim Executive Director of the BEDC and City Manager of Bastrop. “She has long been the backbone of our operations, and now her expertise has been recognized at the highest level in her profession.” 

Certified Economic Developers operate as highly skilled economic development professionals and collaborate with public officials, business leaders, and community members to establish astute leadership and serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape. Their commitment to excellence translates into a profound impact on well-being, elevating the quality of life and unlocking a myriad of opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities alike. 

Angela is now one of over 1,250 active CEcDs worldwide. 

About Angela Ryan 

Angela began her career at the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation in 2008, steadily rising from Executive Assistant to Operations Manager. Throughout her tenure, she has led vital projects including the coordination of small business events, management of multimillion-dollar economic development initiatives, and leading downtown redevelopment efforts. Her leadership has helped bring numerous projects to fruition in the Bastrop Business and Industrial Park and beyond. Angela is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, an active member of both the IEDC and Texas Economic Development Council, and also serves on the Foreign Trade Zone #183 Board. 

About the International Economic Development Council 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/. 

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