The ACE Advisory Committee is created by The Academy Regents to serve as a review and advisory body for the Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) program and its related trainings: Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute) and Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program (also known as “Keys Course”). Committee members will serve as the brain trust of the program’s structure and history as well as provide recommendations for the next phase of the program. With their applied background in the field, they will also provide a valuable perspective on training curriculum and content that is current and relevant to the profession.
The ACE Advisory Committee members, below, have diverse and expansive backgrounds in economic development and have been involved in the ACE program in various ways.
Bruce Kern, CALED Board Advisor (Retired, East Bay Economic Dev Alliance):
Bruce Kern has over 40 years’ experience in community planning and economic development serving in executive positions in state and local government. In 1990 Mr. Kern became the founding Director of the East Bay’s Economic Development Alliance representing 150+ member organizations. Comprised of community leaders, the organization continues to this day to serve as the regional voice and networking resource for strengthening the East Bay’s economy. After retiring in 2010, Mr. Kern has continued to give back to the community and to his profession. He currently serves as an advisor on the Board of Directors of the California Association for Local Economic Development and is the past Chairman of the California Academy for Economic Development.
Dwayne Dalman, ACE & CALED Board Member (City of Fairfield):
Dwayne Dalman, ACE is the Economic Development Division Manager for the City of Fairfield. He is responsible for managing the activities of the division, including the implementation of a two-year branding and marketing Strategic Plan that focuses on revitalizing the downtown and attracting businesses to the numerous business and industrial parks located in the city. Prior to this role in Fairfield, Dwayne held positions with the City of Oakley, El Cerrito and Concord, all within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout his time in the public sector, Dwayne has actively participated with CALED, including being a past Regional Ambassador, currently serving on the Board, as well as earning his Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) certification.
Andrew Haussler, ACE, CALED Board Member, & ACE Mentor (City of Clovis):
As the Assistant City Manager for the City of Clovis, Andy Haussler, ACE oversees a wide variety of operations, programs and projects to reach the city’s goals. Andy leads the city’s economic development efforts including business attraction, affordable housing programs, community improvement grants and major capital improvement projects as well as information technology department and the code enforcement team. Seeking to refine his skills in economic development Andy achieved certifications from both CALED (Accredited California Economic Developer – ACE) and the International Economic Development Council (Certified Economic Developer – CEcD).
Margaret Silveira, Academy Regent (Retired, City of Lakeport):
Margaret Silveira is currently an Academy Regent and, prior to retirement, was the City Manager of the City of Lakeport. Before her role in Lakeport, Margaret was the City Manager of the City of Gustine and Housing & Economic Development Director for the City of Riverbank. Pervious experiences before working in the public sector include banking, owning her own travel agency and Silveira General Construction. Margaret also previously served on CALED’s Board.
Tamra Spade, ACE & Nonprofit leader (City of Ceres; Simply Divine Foundation):
Tamra Spade, ACE currently serves as the Redevelopment and Economic Development Manager for the City of Ceres and is a nonprofit leader founder of Simply Divine Foundation. She spent the last 10 years as the CEO of the Chambers of Commerce in Ripon and Tracy. Prior to that, she worked for the State Senate District 12 as a representative. Tamra was in the first cohort of the Advanced Institute, earned her Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) certification through CALED and has also earned her Certification in Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
We appreciate their time and guidance on this important program!
