Mike Garland Receives His Certificate
Planning Commissioner for the city of South Pittsburg & Industrial Development Board Member of Marion County Mike Garland was part of The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services’ (CIS’) 21st graduating class of its Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program. This cohort brings the total number of Tennessee Certified Economic Developers to 135.
“Our Tennessee Certified Economic Developers have shown remarkable dedication in earning this designation,” said TCED Program Director Tintin Czach. “Their expertise will be a huge asset to their communities, helping to drive growth and lead innovation across the state. We’re excited to see the positive impact they will have on Tennessee’s future.”
Graduation was held at the UT Institute for Public Service (IPS) Training Center in Nashville, where graduates presented their Capstone Projects - the final requirement for earning the TCEcD designation. Garland’s final project was titled “Connect South Pittsburg.”
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 TCED Program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of economic trends, tools and core components required to compete in today’s global economy.
The Spring 2025 TCED graduates are:
- Director of Business Development for the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce Jodi Barnard Her Capstone project was titled “Utilizing a Brownfield Site to Support the Hamblen County Recovery Court Program.”
- Economic Development Specialist for the UT Center for Industrial Services Lori Diane Barton. Her Capstone project was titled “Fostering Growth: Positive Outcomes of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program in Tennessee’s Most Vulnerable Communities.”
- Planning Commissioner for the City of South Pittsburg & Industrial Development Board Member of Marion County Martin Michael Garland. His Capstone project was titled “Connect South Pittsburg.”
- Tax Information Analyst with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Kayla Hampton-Hargrove. Her Capstone project was titled “The Effectiveness of Tax Credits and Helping Companies Continue to Grow.”
- Executive Director of the McKenzie Industrial Development/McKenzie Chamber of Commerce Monica Cravens Heath. Her Capstone project was titled “Developing an Internship Program in a Rural, At-Risk Community.”
- Chief Performance Officer with East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Victor Oakley. His Capstone project was titled “The Digital Divide: Economic Disparity, and Workforce/Economic Development.”
- Executive Director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hope Vargas. Her Capstone project was titled “Small Marina Ignites a Thriving Economy in Rural Tennessee.”
These new graduates will now be members of the TCED Alumni Group, which offers continuing education and networking opportunities throughout the year.