TEXARKANA, Texas, Dec. 2, 2021 – Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) External Affairs Manager Jennifer Harland has been awarded the Professional Community and
Economic Developer (PCED) certification from the Community Development Council.
The PCED designation is available to professional community developers who successfully enlist others, lead collaborative efforts and utilize all available resources to increase the economic prosperity of their communities. Applicants must obtain points based on their education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam, to receive the designation.
“I am extremely blessed to work for a company that recognizes the importance of strong communities and devotes staff to the practice of community and economic development,” Harland said.
Through her coursework, Harland is now equipped to assist in capacity building – processes and activities that maximize the potential of individuals and organizations – which will positively impact economic prosperity and social development in the communities SWEPCO serves.
“Jennifer has demonstrated dedication and leadership in Arkansas and Texas,” CDC Chairman Kay Fitzsimons said. “Her efforts have guided and shaped a strong focus on effective community development.”
In addition to her PCED certification, Harland also graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) in November 2020. The intensive 117-hour certificate program is considered the premier economic development program in the nation. It provides professional economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools to succeed in today’s changing economic development environment.
About Community Development Council (CDC)
The Community Development Council, Inc. was organized in 1995 to increase the professional credentials and recognition of individuals working in the field of community development. The Council has established professional standards through certification and training that are recognized as valuable to both community development practitioners and those who employ their services. A 501 (c) (6) corporation, the Council is not a membership organization, and is supported by private and public sector sponsors and from fees generated by certification and accreditation services. The Council maintains a registry of Professional Community and Economic Developers in good standing.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv, LinkedIn.com/company/swepco and SWEPCOConnections.com.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,800 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 223,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 30,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,600 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.