MRB Group’s Director of Southeast Operations Heather Simmons Jones recently announced that Tracy McMillin, former Vice President of Economic Development and Operations for Central SC Alliance, has joined MRB Group to support its Economic Development Team in South Carolina.
MRB Group is an engineering, architecture and municipal services firm that works with local governments as well as healthcare and higher educational institutions. Their planners, grant writers and economic development experts also work with professional organizations that support local economies. McMillin has joined MRB Group’s professional team whose expertise helps communities to thrive.
“Tracy’s experience supporting leadership in the business and local government arenas is a perfect addition to MRB Group’s multi-faceted and interdisciplinary team,” said Ryan Colvin, PE, President and CEO of the firm. “She will be working with Heather to provide strategic planning for economic development, and support sustainable economies throughout the Southeast,” he continued.
Jones added, “Given her decades of experience in all facets of the economic development life cycle, Tracy will benefit our communities and clients through her vast understanding of what organizations need in order to be successful.”
“She has directly performed so many critical organizational duties including market research, recruitment and retention of skilled employees, marketing strategy and implementation, as well as management, leadership and enhancement of public-private partnerships,” Jones continued.
“Tracy will help communities to prioritize and plan, then choose the most beneficial investments to set themselves above the rest,” she stated.
McMillin’s educational background includes a BS in Business Administration from University of South Carolina Honors College, followed by years of coursework and certifications in Economic Development and Leadership. She joined Central SC Alliance in 1998 as the Research Director, then quickly rose through its ranks. She has worked in a number of capacities including CFO and Senior Project Manager, gaining valuable experience working directly with project stakeholders from multiple counties while simultaneously managing the financial viability and growth of the organization. McMillin more recently served as Interim President and CEO, guiding and repositioning the organization through one of its most critical transition periods with improvements resulting in highly successful fundraising and client engagement. The majority of her time was spent as VP of Economic Development & Operations to fully utilize her exceptional business and organizational development skills which allowed her to work more directly with organizations needing assistance.
“Tracy joins MRB group’s growing team of professionals in SC, focused on setting communities up for economic success. I am confident she will innovate the group with new ideas, and clients will benefit from her experience,” Jones stated.
“I’m really looking forward to working closely with Heather and her team,” said McMillin. “MRB Group is a powerful resource making a difference for communities, doing the kind of planning and strategy development that leads to targeted growth,” she stated.
“I see many more exciting opportunities ahead for South Carolina and the greater Southeast region,” McMillin said.
