Sampson County Economic Development is proud to announce that Ray Jordan, director, has earned the prestigious North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCcED) designation.
Ray was recognized by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) during its 2026 Annual Conference held in Wilmington on June 18, 2026, as one of 12 economic development professionals across North Carolina to complete the certification program this year.
The NCcED Program, offered through a partnership between East Carolina University (ECU) and NCEDA, provides advanced training and practical knowledge in the field of economic development. To earn the certification, participants complete a rigorous 84 contact-hour curriculum culminating with a Capstone Project and Oral Presentation. Courses include business retention and expansion, industry recruitment, innovation and entrepreneurship, data and analytics, organizational management, legal frameworks and other topics essential to modern economic development practice.
This certification reflects a commitment to professional excellence, continuous learning, and the advancement of economic prosperity throughout North Carolina.
This achievement further demonstrates his dedication to serving Sampson County and ensuring our community remains competitive for future growth.
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