Rochester's econ dev chief among three earning recent degrees, certifications

Economic Development Manager Karen Pollard ... recently earned master's (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - City Manager Blaine Cox announce today that multiple city employees recently earned post-secondary degrees and industry certifications.

Economic Development Manager Karen Pollard completed her master's degree in finance and international business at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business.

Additionally, Senior Executive Assistant Samantha Rodgerson recently graduated summa cum laude in August, earning a bachelor's degree in marketing from Franklin Pierce University.

Along with Pollard and Rodgerson's newly earned degrees, Senior Planner Michelle Mears received her certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Certified planners verify their academic and professional achievements by passing a rigorous, comprehensive examination. The American Institute of Certified Planners is the American Planning Association's professional institute and provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications.

To earn certification, professional planners must first demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice, ethics and professional conduct, and to keep their skills sharp and up to date by continuously pursuing advanced professional education.

By earning her certification, Mears joins her colleagues, Planning Director Jim Campbell and Chief Planner Seth Creighton in doing so.

"I'm extremely proud of the work Karen, Samantha and Michelle have done to further develop their skills and expertise," Cox said. "By earning these degrees and certifications, they have displayed their commitment to constant self improvement and we all will benefit from their continued service to the City of Rochester."