Natasha Roach graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) at the OU EDI Fall session on November 5, 2020. Roach has been with the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation for eight years, serving as the Economic Development Coordinator.
Post-graduation, Roach will move into the role of Assistant Director of the Little Elm EDC.
“We are so excited to expand our leadership team, and Natasha has worked diligently to advance the Little Elm EDC during her tenure,” said Jennette Espinosa, Executive Director of the Little Elm EDC.
OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. Mark James, Dean, said, “OU EDI is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals.
These graduates represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities. My congratulations to them.
OU EDI classes focus on three major core areas: Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Credit Analysis, as well as areas of concentration in Workforce Development, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Managing Economic Development Organizations. Students typically take 1‑2 years to complete the program through a series of intensive in-person or online courses.
OU EDI began in 1962 and is celebrating its 59th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the program has certified more than 5,500 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher.
The Little Elm Economic Development Corporation is charged with attracting new commercial businesses, new tourism opportunities, and new jobs to Little Elm. It has an organization mission to advance economic development in Little Elm while capitalizing on our lakeside character and sense of community.
