A Short History of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program (AEDL)
By: Neal Wade

The origins of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) Program can be traced to approximately 2001, when Neal Wade developed an economic development academy at the University of Alabama to help train emerging professionals in the field.

As the profession evolved, economic development leaders began discussing the need for an advanced professional development program that would serve as a next step beyond the foundational training available through existing programs offered by OUEDI and IEDC. The vision was to create a rigorous, experiential curriculum designed specifically for senior practitioners. Rather than relying heavily on lectures, the program would emphasize class interaction, debate, discussion, and real-world problem solving. The goal was simple: participants would return home with practical insights and strategies they could immediately apply within their organizations and communities.

Drawing upon his network in higher education, Wade began exploring partnerships with universities that could provide a strong academic foundation for this innovative approach. This university-based collaboration would distinguish AEDL from other professional development programs in the economic development field.

Identifying the right university partners was a critical step. The University of Southern Mississippi was an obvious choice because of its highly regarded master’s program in economic development. Texas Christian University joined the effort based on recommendations from future AEDL faculty members. Clemson University became the third partner, with the University of New Mexico completing the original university consortium.

Wade personally visited each campus to present the AEDL concept and gauge institutional interest. By 2015, the university partnership structure was firmly in place. Over time, the partner roster evolved, with the University of Alabama and Clemson University departing the program and Valdosta State University joining. Today, AEDL’s university partners include Texas Christian University, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of New Mexico, and Valdosta State University.

Prior to launching the inaugural class, Wade met with five members of the Site Selectors Guild in Chicago to seek guidance on developing a successful program. The group strongly endorsed the experiential learning model and recommended maintaining a class size small enough to encourage meaningful interaction, discussion, and debate. As a result, AEDL has consistently limited enrollment to approximately 36 to 45 participants. The advisors also recommended locating the program in the central United States with convenient airport access to make travel easier for attendees.

During its early years, AEDL operated as a two-week program. However, feedback from participants indicated that an intensive, one-week format would better accommodate the schedules of senior professionals. The program subsequently transitioned to its current structure.

Approximately five years ago, AEDL expanded its offerings by introducing the Graduates’ Conference. Created to reconnect with alumni and address emerging issues in economic development, the conference also provides opportunities for graduates to strengthen existing professional relationships and develop new ones. Held every two years, the next Graduates’ Conference is scheduled for 2027.

Admission to AEDL is competitive. Prospective participants complete a detailed application outlining their professional experience and accomplishments in economic development. Applications are reviewed by Wade and the program’s coordinating university, the University of Southern Mississippi. To date, the program has produced nearly 400 graduates who have earned the Master Economic Developer Practitioner (MEDP) designation.

AEDL’s curriculum continues to evolve in response to changes within the profession. While several foundational topics remain consistent from year to year, economic development itself has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. The core principles of the profession remain intact, but the methods used to create wealth and opportunity for communities, regions, and states continue to evolve. Areas such as business intelligence, artificial intelligence, expanded definitions of job creation, strategic communications, and managing stakeholder expectations have become increasingly important. Course content is regularly updated based on participant feedback and emerging industry trends to ensure that AEDL remains focused on the most relevant challenges and opportunities facing economic development professionals.

One of AEDL’s greatest sources of pride is that most of its applicants come through referrals from program graduates. Alumni consistently recommend the program to colleagues and peers, reflecting the value they place on the AEDL experience. In addition, many economic development organizations have sent multiple staff members through the program, further demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of AEDL’s “different by design” approach to leadership development.