The City of Fayetteville is pleased to announce that Economic Development Manager Derrick McArthur has earned his North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED) designation.  

The NCCED designation recognizes professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge, leadership and a commitment to strengthening communities through economic development.

McArthur was recognized by the North Carolina Economic Development Association during their 2026 Annual Conference in Wilmington as one of this year's graduates of the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program. 

"This certification is another way for me to grow professionally so I can better serve the Fayetteville community," McArthur said in a press release. "It gives me the opportunity to connect with other economic development professionals across the state, learn from their experiences and bring new ideas and best practices back to Fayetteville." 

Offered through a partnership between East Carolina University and the North Carolina Economic Development Association, the program provides advanced training and practical knowledge in economic development.  

Participants complete an intensive 84-hour curriculum covering topics such as business retention and expansion, industry recruitment, innovation and entrepreneurship, data and analytics, organizational management, legal frameworks and other areas critical to supporting thriving communities. The program concludes with a capstone project and oral presentation. 

McArthur’s capstone project focused on economic development programs that could support the feasibility of a grocery store on Murchison Road, connecting his professional development directly to one of Fayetteville’s long-standing neighborhood revitalization, food access and commercial corridor challenges. 

During his five years with the City's Economic and Community Development Department, McArthur has worked alongside small business owners, commercial property owners, nonprofit organizations, developers and community partners to advance economic development efforts across Fayetteville. From supporting local businesses to encouraging investment and redevelopment, his work focuses on creating opportunities that strengthen the community. 

"Derrick's certification is an important achievement, but it is also a reflection of the work he has already been doing for Fayetteville," said Economic and Community Development Director Christopher Cauley in a press release. "He is a steady, reliable resource for businesses, property owners and community partners, and he consistently brings a practical, service-minded approach to complex economic development challenges. This recognition is well deserved."