Shreveport’s Director of Economic Development, Bill Sabo, has earned one of the profession’s most respected credentials, becoming one of fewer than 1,250 people worldwide to achieve the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council.
The certification builds on Sabo’s earlier completion of the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential. Only about 3% of economic development professionals nationally hold both, placing Sabo among a small group recognized for meeting the highest standards in economic development practice.
Earning the CEcD requires at least four years of direct economic development experience, two to three years of specialized coursework, and multi-part written and oral examinations evaluated by national experts. The exam’s difficulty underscores its rigor and national standing.
Coursework for these credentials covers neighborhood revitalization, business attraction and marketing, credit analysis, community redevelopment, technology-led development, and small business support that directly align with Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s current reform agenda.
Arceneaux said the achievement reflects the city’s commitment to building a strong, modern economic development vision.
“Bill’s accomplishment is a win for Shreveport,” Arceneaux said. “It shows that our city is not only serious about economic development but is investing in the professional expertise needed to compete. His certification strengthens our ability to attract jobs, support local businesses, and deliver meaningful results for our residents.”
Sabo said he looks forward to applying what he’s learned into results for the city.
“These credentials reinforce that Shreveport is matching its ambition with professional standards,” Sabo said. “They improve our ability to work effectively with site selectors, developers, institutions, and state and federal partners. I’m proud to bring this expertise home and put it to work for Shreveport residents.”
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/.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.