The Town of Red River is proud to announce that Director of Economic Development & Tourism Max Khudiakov has been awarded the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Diane Lupke Scholarship.
IEDC, the world’s largest membership organization serving economic developers, annually grants four scholarships to assist professionals in advancing their careers and enhancing the economic vitality of their communities. The scholarship fund was established by Diane Lupke, CEcD, FM, HLM, with the goal of supporting economic development professionals in their pursuit of knowledge and skills that can be applied within their distressed communities.
Max Khudiakov emerged as one of the deserving recipients. “I am honored and grateful to be selected for the Diane Lupke Scholarship,” said Khudiakov. “This scholarship affirms my commitment to improving economic development strategies for the benefit of the community, and to achieve this, I am eagerly working towards becoming a Certified Economic Developer.”
The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious designations in the field, representing excellence and expertise. Max Khudiakov, dedicated to further strengthening Red River’s economic landscape, hopes to expand his skill set and employ best practices in his role as Director of Economic Development & Tourism.
“We are immensely proud of Max’s accomplishments and his drive to continuously improve as an economic development professional,” said Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun. “The Diane Lupke Scholarship is a testament to Max’s commitment to our community and his determination to utilize his knowledge and skills for the greater good. This award also reflects positively on the Town of Red River, showcasing our dedication to fostering economic growth.”
The Town of Red River is located on State Highway 38, 12 miles east of Questa,, and like Questa, is nestled in the heart of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. Red River is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and thriving tourism. With Max Khudiakov at the helm of the economic development and tourism department, the Town is poised to experience further growth and progress.