Bruce D. Armstrong, Economic Development Manager with Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation, has been awarded the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council. The designation denotes a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. It marks a significant achievement and underscores Armstrong's commitment to excellence in the field of economic development.
"I’ve always believed that while it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to raise a village,” Armstrong said.
He attributes the achievement of this substantial career milestone to multiple people who helped him move forward in the economic development field. Chief among them is Patty Lundstrom, CEcD, Executive Director of Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation.
“Patty is always at least a mile ahead of the rest of us, trailblazing a strategic path forward,” Armstrong said. “She knows where we’re headed and the best way to get there.”
Armstrong views his role as providing support to the Executive Director, helping to translate her efforts and vision into tangible developments on the ground and into solid support for the industrial, economic-base employers that live in Gallup and McKinley County as well as those that plan to site their operations in the community.
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 a rigorous and comprehensive examination, consisting of three parts and spanning two days. This examination assesses a practitioner's knowledge, proficiency, judgement, and critical thinking abilities among the following areas of economic development:
- Business retention and expansion
- Finance and credit analysis
- Marketing and attraction
- Strategic planning
- Entrepreneurial and small business development
- Managing economic development organizations
- Neighborhood development strategies
- Real estate development and reuse
- Technology-led economic development
- Workforce development strategies
- Foreign direct investment and exporting
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.
Armstrong is one of over 1,250 active CEcDs throughout the world.
He acknowledged several other individuals who were indispensable to his growth and development. They include Jeff Kiely, a consultant with GGEDC and former Executive Director of the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments.
“Jeff lives and breathes community development in McKinley County,” Armstrong said. “He knows just about everyone in the county and is gifted in exacting substantial contributions and commitments from people to improve the well being and growth of the community.”
Christine Logan, CEcD, retired New Mexico Economic Development Department Regional Representative, coached and mentored this year’s New Mexico CEcD exam cohort. Armstrong said “the benefits of her assistance were immeasurable.”
Armstrong looks forward to continuing to bring jobs and companies to the area to help Gallup and McKinley County keep moving forward.
“It’s a huge honor to work for such an excellent community,” he said.
Armstrong joined the GGEDC in 2019 as the Economic Development Manager. Prior to that, he was Economic Development Planner with the Pueblo of Laguna where he helped strategize opportunities to build businesses and diversify the Pueblo’s economy. From 2006-2019, as Principal for Bruce D. Armstrong Consulting, LLC, Armstrong organized and managed a residential home rehab program and developed a commercial real estate project for Habitat for Humanity of Taos. He also obtained and managed numerous federal and private foundation grants in Taos, N.M.
He has a master’s degree in Community & Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico with emphases in Economic Development, Nonprofit Management, and Affordable Housing development. He received his bachelor’s degree in American history from Middlebury College. He enjoys cooking, cycling, reading, gardening, playing violin in a Gallup folk-rock band, and time with his cat Xeña.
