By IEDC Staff—
YORKTOWN, IN—Bradley (Brad) Bookout, 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. The milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Bookout’s experience and excellence in the field of economic development.
“Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Mr. Bookout on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “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.”
The CEcD designation is a prestigious acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals in the economic development field, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the industry. To attain the designation, candidates must have worked successfully in economic development for multiple years, have completed a multitude of classes studying the various fields of economic development, and have completed 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
Bookout is now one of only 1,200+ active CEcDs worldwide. In Indiana, only fourteen people statewide have achieved and are active holding the CEcD certification. “It’s a real honor to now be a part of this distinguished group of professionals. It’s a rigorous program and a significant career milestone” said Bookout.
CEcD certified Economic Developers are highly skilled professionals who collaborate with public officials and business leaders providing strategic leadership and driving impactful economic growth. Their commitment to excellence strengthens communities by enhancing quality of life and expanding opportunities for individuals, businesses, and regions alike.
About Brad Bookout
Brad Bookout is a senior economic development executive and principal of Augusta Consulting LLC, with a track record of leading complex, multi-jurisdictional initiatives that drive investment and job creation. He has served on contract as Delaware County’s Director of Economic Affairs, Director of Redevelopment, and as lead Project Manager for the ECI Regional Planning District. Bookout has supported economic development efforts across multiple states, including Iowa, Michigan, and Florida, and has been directly involved in projects generating more than $1 billion in capital investment and over 3,000 jobs created or retained.
He specializes in business retention and expansion, foreign direct investment attraction, and strategic advisory services for market entry, site selection, and public-private partnership structuring. With deep international engagement, Bookout advises companies across Europe and Asia on U.S. expansion and operations. He developed a proprietary 22-benchmark framework to guide firms through regulatory and operational complexities and has built enduring relationships with federal, state, and local governments, as well as various industry partners. In addition to his professional work, Bookout has been elected three times to the Delaware County Council At-Large and was a candidate for U.S. Congress in 2012. In 2024, he was appointed by Governor Mike Braun to serve and advise on the transition council for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
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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