Ken Maly

Published: January 1, 2010

Photo by Henry A. Koshollek

Ken Maly did not need a certified economic developer designation to get ahead. He’s already a manager at Madison-based Vierbicher Associates Inc., where he leads the planning/community development department.

“I did it for me,” he said.

Earning the CEcD was no easy task. The certification requires at least four years of experience in economic development and then six courses through the International Economic Development Council. The two-day final exam includes a day of multiple choice and essay tests and, for those who pass day one, a second day of oral exams.

“Studying was tough,” Maly said. “The test covers a broad range of info.”

Maly, a 35-year-old father of two, said he hit the books as soon as his kids went to sleep each night.

Now that he’s certified, he will continue helping municipalities maximize their budgets.

“It’s about improving quality of life for communities,” Maly said. “It’s about improving revenue sources so we can have nice communities with parks and other amenities.”

We challenged Maly to another test: answering this month’s Burning Questions. Here’s what he had to say.

What word in the English language do you wish you had invented?

Y’all. I guess it’s not officially in the English language, but when I lived in Texas I developed an appreciation for its versatility. It’s only a matter of time before we’re using it here.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Watching too much football on Sunday

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

‘Honey, do you know where I put my …’

What is your most treasured possession?

Mainly things that can’t be taken away: relationships, experiences and education

What do you miss most about your childhood?

Seemingly endless time