Della G. Rucker, CEcD AICP has helped citizens, businesses, governments and nonprofits improve their communities' futures for about 20 years. Della has consulted, written and trained people to create strategy for economic revitalization, and to enable meaningful public participation. Della is one of about 10 private sector persons in the United States to hold the industry-standard professional certifications in both planning (AICP) and economic development (CEcD). Formerly the lead for economic development in Jacobs Engineering’s planning group, at various points in her life, Della has also been an English teacher, a Main Street program charter board member, a historic preservation entrepreneur, and a small town journalist.