Driving Growth
By Millie Womble

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what is your background?

I’ve lived in a number of places but am happy to have landed in Lancaster! I grew up loving travel, volunteering in new places, and understanding different cultures in deeper ways. That led me to a career rooted in international economic development, which began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Armenia and later morphed into management consulting and federal government contracting. Across all of those experiences, my focus has always been on community impact and understanding how communities shapes opportunity. That perspective has stayed with me as I’ve transitioned back to the U.S. and my work with EDC Lancaster County. In my free time, I love getting into nature to hike or run with my husband and more importantly my dog Pebbles!

What is your current role, and what does your work involve on a day-to-day basis?

I’m the Director of Business Retention & Expansion at EDC Lancaster County. On a day-to-day basis, I meet with businesses across the county to understand their challenges and opportunities. I spend a lot of time listening, asking questions, and connecting businesses to resources that can help them grow. Beyond that, I look at long-term strategic initiatives which look at opportunities and threats to the economic-well being of Lancaster County. One of those is our outdoor recreation initiative, where we’re exploring how the county can better leverage our trails, parks, and waterways for economic growth. That work includes thinking about infrastructure, wayfinding, and how to better connect trail users to Main Street businesses. It’s a unique role because it combines immediate problem-solving with long-term vision. Every day looks a little different which I love!

Can you walk us through your career journey and what led you to where you are today?

My career started in the Peace Corps, where I was an English teacher in a rural village in Armenia. That experience taught me the importance of listening, building trust, and working alongside communities rather than for them. After that, I pursued a master’s degree in international economic development and moved into consulting, where I worked with organizations on strategy and culture-change. It was a fast-paced environment that strengthened my business acumen and exposed me to high-level decision-making. I later transitioned into international development work as a federal government contractor, where I focused on workforce and economic growth initiatives. Over time, I realized I wanted to bring that experience back to a local level where I could see the impact more directly. That desire ultimately led me to Lancaster County. Now, I get to apply everything I’ve learned to a community that is actively investing in its future. 

What drew you to the work you are doing now?

I’ve always been drawn to work that that is focused on community development and the broader business community. Economic development sits right at that intersection, allowing you to support businesses while also shaping the broader community. What really excites me is the ability to work on both immediate challenges and long-term strategies. You’re not just solving problems but also helping define what a place becomes over time.

What do you enjoy most about serving the Lancaster community through your role?

I’ve loved working with businesses around the county. Every company I visit has its own story, challenges, and vision for the future. Being able to support those businesses while also contributing to the broader community is incredibly rewarding. It gives me a deeper understanding of what makes Lancaster’s economy so unique and resilient. I also really appreciate how much the community values its unique defining features. As I mentioned above, I’m working on a long-term initiative around leveraging our outdoor recreation assets for economic development and conservation. I’ve loved getting to know the county in a deeper way through our outdoor recreation assets like the NW River Trail.

What has been one of the biggest lessons you have learned in your professional journey so far?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far in my career is resiliency. The first is around resiliency when starting over. I’ve started over in a new sector multiple times throughout my career. That was incredibly taxing but I learned the power of my network and community. Every time I’ve started in a new role, I’ve gained skills I didn’t even dream of in the previous role.

Have there been any mentors, experiences, or moments that have helped shape your path?

I would be surprised if someone had a career without mentors that helped shape their path. Every place that I’ve worked at had people who I looked up to. At my role with EDC Lancaster County, I work with John Biemiller, VP of Business Retention and Expansion, along with Ezra Rothman, President. Their commitment to the community and economic development is something that inspires me every day!

What advice would you give to young professionals who are just getting started in their careers?

One of the highlights of my career so far is the breadth of experiences I’ve had from working as an English teacher in the Peace Corps to supporting strategy development in a consulting firm. For young professionals, I recommend trying everything that you find remotely interesting. This will help narrow down what you enjoy most and what you’re best at. I believe figuring those things out will only help your career keep a North Star that you’re always aspiring to.

What does being part of the Lancaster community mean to you?

Even though I’m relatively new, being part of Lancaster County means contributing to a community that truly values collaboration. There’s a strong sense of pride here. It’s a place where people care deeply about where they live. I’ve also been struck by how welcoming and engaged the community is. People are eager to collaborate and work toward shared goals. That makes it easier to build partnerships and move initiatives forward. It’s exciting to be part of a place where there’s so much momentum. I’m grateful to be contributing to that energy.

What does the phrase “Next Generation” mean to you?

To me, “Next Generation” is about being intentional about the future we’re building. We all live in a strong county with a diverse and resilient economy. To protect it for the next generation, we have to think about how to give every Lancastrian a great quality of life. At the EDC, we believe this hinges on future oriented jobs, outdoor recreation, and vibrant downtowns. That includes creating opportunities for young people who will be future leaders in Lancaster, supporting businesses so they can thrive, and investing in the assets that make a community strong like our trails and parks. It’s about thinking long-term while taking action today.

This conversation highlights the leadership, perspective, and purpose behind her work in economic development. Her journey reflects the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community-driven thinking in shaping strong local economies. Through her efforts, she continues to play a key role in fostering opportunity, supporting businesses, and helping build a vibrant and sustainable future for Lancaster County.