Covington, LA – Kyle Buckley, Economic Development Specialist at St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC), received his national certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete Grow America’s intensive economic development finance training series. The training provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating, and the creation and implementation of development programs. Each of the four EDFP Certification Program courses are multiple days in length, and each concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses and the national standards exam, the candidate is awarded the EDFP Certification.

In his role at St. Tammany EDC, Buckley focuses on business and technical services, project incentives, tax credit programs, and economic research. He manages business support programs, compliance, and the application process for economic development projects, and navigating state business support programs. His work involves analyzing economic impact, aligning policy with private sector needs, and supporting business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts across St. Tammany. Buckley holds a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Grow America has provided training to over 70,000 economic and housing development professionals. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations, and financial institutions.