Keri Stevens successfully completed the Georgia Downtown Association’s Professional Development Program level one review, and as a result has received the designation of Georgia Downtown Development Professional.

In order to be eligible for the level one review, a candidate must have at least two years of experience in the field of downtown development; fifty hours of documented training class time; and two letters of recommendation. The review consists of an oral presentation in which the candidate must document his/her downtown organizational and management success, and a written exam covering downtown development issues, tools, and resources.

“The Georgia Downtown Development Professional has demonstrated a thorough working knowledge in the professional practice of downtown development in Georgia”, said Ann Arnold, Chair of the Professional Development Program. “The Georgia Downtown Development Professional Program distinguishes downtown managers who have reached a milestone of professional success in Georgia and who are committed to continuing professional growth.”

The professional development program designates three levels of professional success, each requiring and recognizing more professional success than the preceding level. The program has been endorsed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the University of Georgia.

Based in Atlanta, the Georgia Downtown Association is a non-profit association that promotes the economic redevelopment of Georgia’s downtowns.