GO Topeka's Ashley Lehman Graduates From Nationally Recognized OU Economic Development Institute

GO Topeka proudly announces that Ashley Lehman, Vice President of Business Development, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) on October 23, 2025, during the OU Fall session in Fort Worth, Texas. The OU EDI program is an intensive 117-hour certificate that equips economic developers with advanced tools to drive business attraction, retention, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization.

Founded in 1962, OU EDI is recognized as the world’s leading economic development training program and is fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). To date, more than 6,000 professionals have completed the program, gaining the expertise needed to support job creation, business investment, and community prosperity.

“Ashley’s achievement reflects her commitment to excellence and to the businesses we serve,” said Rhiannon Friedman, President of GO Topeka. “Investing in professional development strengthens our capacity to deliver results for Topeka and Shawnee County, and in return helps companies grow, create jobs, and choose Topeka.”

The OU EDI curriculum equips economic developers with current strategies in business attraction and retention, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization. Students benefit from mentorship and networking with peers across the nation, typically completing the program over one to two years through a rigorous combination of in person and online coursework.

“This experience provided me with fresh tools and new perspectives that I’m eager to bring back home to Topeka,” said Ashley Lehman, VP of Business Development, GO Topeka. “I’m passionate about helping businesses succeed and seeing our community continue to grow. It’s exciting to be part of the momentum happening here.”