Las Cruces, NM — T The Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) is excited to announce that our VP of Business Development, Brian Garcia, has earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Brian’s commitment to excellence in the field of economic development.

Adding to this accomplishment, Garcia was also recently named one of Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers in North America for 2026, a recognition awarded to industry leaders for their innovation, leadership, and measurable impact on the communities they serve.

Brian Garcia is now among a handful of individuals within Doña Ana County with this esteemed certification, of which there are only 1,250 active CEcD’s worldwide. MVEDA is proud to have Brian as an integral part of our team for over a decade, and these accomplishments further demonstrate his dedication to economic development in Doña Ana County and the greater NMBorderplex region.

“Earning my CEcD has been a long-time personal goal and achieving it is more than a professional milestone. It represents my commitment to helping the NMBorderplex grow into a place where my kids and future generations can find real opportunity and a future they’re proud to call home,” said Garcia.

“I’m also incredibly honored to be recognized among Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers in North America. While this recognition is presented to me personally, it truly reflects the incredible work of the MVEDA team and our outstanding regional partners who continue creating momentum and opportunity across the Borderplex.”

The CEcD designation is a prestigious acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals in the field of economic development, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the industry. To attain this designation, candidates must successfully complete years of work experience in economic development, complete relevant coursework, pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, and participate in an oral interview. This examination and interview assess a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, judgement, and critical thinking abilities in several areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, finance and credit analysis, strategic planning, foreign investment and exporting, technology-led economic development, and managing economic development organizations, amongst others.

“We are incredibly proud of Brian for achieving the prestigious CEcD designation and for being recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers,” commented Davin Lopez, President & CEO of MVEDA. “His leadership, professionalism, and passion for building a stronger regional economy continue to elevate our organization and the communities we serve.”

Certified Economic Developers operate as highly skilled economic development professionals and collaborate with public officials, business leaders, and community members to establish astute leadership and serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape. Their commitment to excellence translates into a profound impact on well-being, elevating the quality of life and unlocking a myriad of opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities alike.