Judy McCombs, marketing and business development consultant for the Port of Muskogee, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer.

The CEcD status is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council in early October in Reno, Nev. IEDC is the premiere economic development organization for the profession serving more than 4,600 members.

McCombs has worked in both the public and private sectors serving in management, marketing and business development roles more than 25 years. The last half of her career has focused on economic development in Oklahoma.

Since 2003, McCombs designed and managed the marketing plan for the Port of Muskogee and Three Forks Harbor. She assisted Port Director Scott Robinson with business recruitment of major clients for the port by serving on economic development recruitment teams for new and established business development, writing proposals, and responding to site selection inquiries and requests for proposals. McCombs participated in the expansion of the Port of Muskogee's Foreign Trade Zone and the addition of a new trade zone client, Komar & Sons in McAlester.

In a media release, McCombs said she believes her participation in the five-year IEDC certification process has brought visibility and recognition to the Port and Three Forks Harbor, two very unique assets of Muskogee and the region.

“I took every opportunity at each training event and conference to promote the Port of Muskogee and eastern Oklahoma. Most ED professionals from across the U.S. were surprised to learn of the ongoing industrial and recreational development of the McClellan-Kerr Waterway,” McCombs said.

Prior to 2003, McCombs worked in a variety of roles for Muskogee Development, including vice president of marketing and research, a marketing/management consultant and a volunteer. McCombs managed marketing research, assisted with recruitment of new businesses and expansion of established industries and recruited, trained and coordinated 46 volunteers who made 1,260 calls to potential GMDC business clients. In addition, she coordinated the design of a new Web site and updated all print media.

Other related experience included serving as an account executive for AT&T in Dallas and Oklahoma City, McCombs managed a sales team and territory for the Business Communication System Division. Customers included corporate accounts such as York International, Shakley Corporation, and the Goodyear Tire Company. She also served on international teams for Trammel Crow, Dresser Rand and Texas Instruments.

McCombs holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. While obtaining her MBA, McCombs worked an international research analyst for the Center of International Trade at OSU. She graduated from the Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma, November 2005. McCombs lives in the Lake Eufaula area with her husband, William “Bud” McCombs.