On August 11, Michael Southard, President & CEO, of the Ada Jobs Foundation received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council (NDC). EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete NDC'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 is five days in length and concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses, the candidate is awarded EDFP Certification.

The National Development Council was established in 1969 and is a non-profit organization specializing in economic and housing development training and technical assistance for community development. NDC has provided training to over 60,000 professionals working in the fields of economic and housing development. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations and banks.

Southard was hired as President & CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation in 2007. Southard came to Ada after spending over 10 years leading the community development efforts in Shawnee and Muskogee and 3 years as a city planner in Oklahoma City. He led efforts to enhance community appearance and pioneered revitalization processes to remove dilapidated structures and breathe life into deteriorating neighborhoods and business districts. Mike has served on various boards and committees over his career ranging from Habitat for Humanity to the local chamber. Mike is not only a leader in Oklahoma but also nationally where he served as the Region 3 Commissioner on the governing board for certified planners, American Institute of Certified Planners.

Mike is a member of the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Oklahoma Professionals Economic Development Council and the Governor's Economic Development Marketing Team.