Hi, I’m
Brenda Mills
Arden,NC
Summary
To leverage skills in education, communication, and community engagement to foster knowledge, awareness, and strong connections within the community. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
Work History
City of Asheville Government
Equity & Inclusion Director
10.2021 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Revitalized and restructured the Equity and Inclusion Department, implementing a strategic succession plan to ensure sustainable growth and meet future departmental requirements
- Served as the administrative lead for a high-impact, 24-month Reparations Initiatives in partnership with Buncombe County government, facilitating collaboration with a 25-member commission to deliver comprehensive recommendations for joint review by the City and County
- Successfully led a six-month process to create a comprehensive Equity Action Plan through individual equity action planning within city departments, devising strategic initiatives to achieve targeted outcomes for FY25
- Collaborated with multiple departments as an Equity Liaison, actively participating in and contributing to the development of initiatives aimed at creating inclusive and equitable community impacts
- Served as the staff liaison for the nine-member African American Heritage Commission, a collaborative effort between the City and County dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture
- Facilitated the seamless integration of this commission's mission to the YMI Cultural Center (YMICC), one of the oldest black cultural centers in the United States, transforming it into an advisory board with City and County as ex-officio members
- This transition aims to strengthen ongoing support for the preservation of Black art, culture, and history
- Managed the staff liaison for the nine-member Human Relations Commission, overseeing its mission to enhance human relations and champion equity across various domains, including public safety, education, arts and culture, economic development, health and human services, and housing
- Spearheaded a comprehensive revision of the commission's ordinance to align with recent affirmative action laws pertaining to higher education, ensuring compliance and averting potential challenges for applicants
- Enhanced community engagement by fostering strong connections with local community representatives and stakeholders during the Reparations outreach efforts, paving the way for future collaborations in equity and inclusion initiatives
- Co-founded the Village Roundtable, a platform unifying African Americans in Asheville and Buncombe County, to facilitate dialogue, share City and County initiatives, and bolster engagement within the African American community
- Effectively orchestrated and oversaw the annual budget for the department ($590,000+/-) encompassing the management of funds, particularly dedicated to the Reparations Project, which totaled to date, $2.8M providing for contracts, and other project expenses
- Served as a founding staff member during the City Council Committees' revitalization in 2022, contributing monthly updates to the newly established Equity and Engagement Council committee on the Reparations Initiative and other equity projects.
City of Asheville, NC
Interim Equity & Inclusion Director
07.2021 - 10.2021
Job overview
- Initiated the City's Reparations Process in the role of project lead, collaborating with the Reparations Project Manager to formulate the application process and conduct educational sessions on the Community Reparations Commission
- Worked in cooperation with Buncombe County staff representatives to support the City's process
- Designed a comprehensive process for crafting a new Equity Action Plan for the City, incorporating training and technical support for various departments to formulate their individual equity action plans, contributing to the overarching plan for the City
- Collaborated with the Human Resources department to revise job descriptions for the Equity & Inclusion staff as the process of posting positions for the department
- Facilitated discussions with various departments involved in a range of initiatives aimed at promoting lasting equity and inclusion
- Served as the liaison to the African American Heritage Commission, a collaborative initiative between the City and County dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture
- Acting as the liaison for the Human Relations Commission and presently collaborating with the N.C
- Human Relations Commission to conduct an orientation and revitalize the purpose and future steps of the commission
- Maintained the cultivation of relationships with community representatives and stakeholders as an integral aspect of the Reparations outreach, while also laying the groundwork for future collaborations with equity and inclusion initiatives
- Collaborated with the Finance & Budget department to assess and review the Equity and Inclusion Department budget ($586,000+/-) and Reparations project ($2.2M) budget which is managed by the department.
City of Asheville Government
Neighborhood & Community Engagement Manager
01.2017 - 07.2021
Job overview
- Collaborated closely with historically African American neighborhoods, including Shiloh Community, Burton Street, East End/Valley Street, and Southside Community
- Supported enhanced communication with City, addressed community concerns, aided in board development for their associations, and actively participated in monthly community meetings and other events
- In role of public engagement lead, involved in various projects, spanning from capital and bond projects to surveying community members on initiatives like greenways and sustainability
- Established Interdepartmental Engagement Team to provide training, support, and resources for project management across city departments, aiming to enhance effectiveness and foster more meaningful outreach in community
- In capacity of liaison to Neighborhood Advisory Committee, assisted in transitioning from regional meetings to Issues Forms for community-driven matters and facilitated communication with city staff to identify best practice solutions
- Revamped list of neighborhood contacts to enhance outreach for city projects, actively participating in neighborhood and community meetings
- Disseminated city updates through various platforms, including bi-monthly neighborhood newsletter and utilization of Nextdoor, encompassing city's 150+ neighborhoods.
City of Asheville, NC
Economic Development Specialist
01.2013 - 01.2017
Job overview
- Managed Minority Business Program, concentrating on outreach, education, and support in public contracting for small, minority, and women-owned businesses
- Kicked off and directed the conclusion of the City's Disparity Study conducted 2017, laying the groundwork for the subsequent stages of the City's newly named Business Inclusion Program
- Oversaw the City's Public Art Program in direct collaboration with an appointed commission
- Developed and managed the 1% Public Art policy for the City's Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Budget, involving communication with departments on annual projected funding
- Established and nurtured relationships, representing the City with artists, arts agencies, and key strategic partners
- Additionally, managed the City's economic development incentives, securing City Council approval and collaborating with the Chamber's Economic Development Coalition on business recruitment and retention.
City of Asheville, NC
Administrative Services Manager
01.2009 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Established City Hall Operations as a distinct division
- Revamped staff roles and expectations to align with the demands of city operations, providing support to internal and external customers while overseeing custodial and elevator operations
- Supervision and administration of the budget over $500,000.
City of Asheville, NC
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Project Manager
01.2009 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Oversaw the management of Stimulus (ARRA) funding for the City of Asheville, collaborating with departments and coordinating with state and federal agencies on various funding sources, including entitlements and grants totaling over $12M
- Delivered regular presentations to Asheville City Council, covering funding details, impact assessments, and compliance aspects related to grant requests
- Conducted training sessions for city departments, contracting/grant staff, potential vendors, and the broader community
- Collaborated with the Land of Sky Regional Council as the city's ARRA project manager for the Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP) grant, partnering with 24 regional entities to develop a comprehensive regional plan for energy assurance.
City of Asheville, NC
Minority Business Program Coordinator
01.2005 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Promoted the program within the community and region by collaborating with local entities, contributing to outreach planning, and facilitating the establishment of the business service providers group for the region, which continues to convene quarterly
- Restructured the certification process in 2005 to transition all current minority & women vendors on the City's listing to the State of North Carolina's Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) certification process
- Collaborated at the state level with the Office of Historically Underutilized Business to establish guidelines for the Uniform Certification Process implemented in 2009
- Collaborated as a team member on city contracting, offering policy updates and providing training for city staff since 2008
- Organized the bi-annual city manager's development forum aimed at supporting the growth and collaboration within the planning and development communities
- Sourced targeted participants and effectively orchestrated a public meeting focused on the Downtown Master Plan, tailored specifically for the African American Community
- Served as the staff liaison for the Asheville Film Commission, offering decisive leadership and collaboration in the commission's mutual disbandment
- Facilitated the transition of support for filmmaking needs on city property to be managed according to the City's event policy
- Headed the planning team for the Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week, an event dedicated to showcasing the endeavors of minority businesses and acknowledging their significant contributions as business owners.
Buncombe County Government, NC
Director, Office of Minority Affairs
01.2002 - 01.2005
Job overview
- Oversaw Minority Affairs program through collaborative agreement between Buncombe County and City of Asheville until 2005
- Expanded awareness and community impact by networking and engaging in outreach through involvement in community activities, non-profit boards, and presentations highlighting the program's attributes
- Provided assistance to city and county staff regarding contracting and outreach endeavors
- Acted as the staff liaison for the Minority Business Commission, providing advisory support for the program
- Offered annual reports to City/County governing bodies, focusing on strategic measures to uphold transparency, education, and outreach for the program
- Supervision and administration of the budget over $300,000.
Buncombe County Government
Certification Coordinator
01.1998 - 01.2002
Job overview
- Effectively attracted minority and women-owned businesses by engaging in community activities, delivering presentations to community groups, and reviewing city's contracting vendors list to identify and certify additional minority and women-owned businesses
- Set up training and educational programs tailored for Minority Business Program
- Revamped certification process by researching best practices across North Carolina and nation
- Implemented Mentor-Protégé Program to bolster support for minority and women-owned businesses, aiming to enhance capacity by fostering relationships with prime contractors working with city and county
- Enhanced data collection process for Minority Business Program by collaborating with city and county departments to update reports, include more information, and increase frequency of reporting for program outcomes.
- Yearly planning of annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) week, spotlighting accomplishments of businesses owned by ethnic minorities.
Education
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC
Project Management Certification
08.2010
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC
Master of Science from Public Administration
12.2009
University of North Carolina At Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC
Bachelor of Science from Industrial Relations
05.1985
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Operations Management
- Project Coordination
- Budget Management
- Program Management
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Business Development
- Partnerships and Alliances
- Government relations
- Facilities Management
- Relationship Building
- Process Improvements
- Decision-Making
Affiliations
- Americans for the Arts - https://www.americansforthearts.org
- Buncombe Arts & Cultural Alliance - https://ashevillearts.com/programs/buncombe-cultural-alliance
- Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing - https://www.cagponline.org
- Economic Advisory Council | former AdvantageWest - https://www.linkedin.com/company/advantagewest
- International Association for Public Participation - https://www.iap2.org/mpage/Home
- NC Minority/Women Business Enterprise Coordinators' Network - http://mwbenetwork.org
- Western North Carolina Consortium of Business Support Agencies (Spark Tank)
- Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
Traininganddevelopment
- Supervisory Resources Program - UNC School of Government (1991)
- Effective Management Program - UNC School of Government (2002)
- Leadership Asheville 21 - UNC Asheville Leadership Programs (2003)
- The Art of Presentation - City Asheville & UNC Asheville (2006)
- City's Leadership Academy (2007)
- Basic Economic Development - UNC School of Government (2007)
- Oklahoma University/Economic Development Institute (Completed 2011)
- Culture of Leadership - City of Asheville (2012)
- Advancing Racial Equity (2016, 2019) via Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
- Foundations in Public Engagement - Planning & Techniques and Techniques for Effective Public Engagement (2018)
- Leadership through Engagement and Facilitation (Lenoir Rhyne College) - November 2019
- Racial Equity Institute, LLC (REI) - May 2022
- Lenoir-Rhyne Equity & Diversity Institute (LREDI) Certificate Program - May 2022
- NC Learning Community Cohort - Government Alliance on Race and Equity (2022-23)
- Equity Action Planning Training Session (GARE) - April 2023
- Leading for Racial Equity Training Session (GARE) - September 2023
Communityandcivicservice
- United Way of Asheville-Buncombe County (2002-2014)
- YWCA Board of Directors (2004-2007)
- Manna Food Bank Board of Directors (2005-2007)
- Helpmate Board of Directors (2010-2015)
- NC Human Relations Commission (2011-2013)
- Masters Public Affairs Advisory Board (2013-2015)
- Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Directors (2014-2017)
- The N.C. Arboretum Society Board of Directors (2019)
- 2020 Census Planning Team (2019)
- Harm Reduction City and County Joint City and County Committee (2019)
- Mount Zion Community Development Board of Directors (2022-23)
Professionalreferences
Furnished as requested.
Additionalprojects
- Conducting research on Living Wage and serving as a liaison between the community agency, Just Economics, offering recommendations and reporting on the impact of policies.
- Managing the project team responsible for overseeing the city's grant policy and the implementation of the grant software, eCivis.
- Acted as the liaison for the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium from 2005 to 2013 on behalf of the city.
- Facilitating and supporting neighborhood initiatives aimed at establishing new associations in the East End/Valley Street and South French Broad neighborhoods.
- Trained individuals in Project Management for the City's Culture of Leadership Program from 2013 to 2016.
- Initiated the establishment of the City's Interdepartmental Engagement Team to build support and collaborative planning for public engagement on City initiatives and projects.
- Provided support for Southside neighborhood planning to initiate community planning and establish a neighborhood association.
- Collaborating on translation services (both written and spoken) and conducting training for City staff in partnership with a local worker cooperative - Cenzontle Language Justice Cooperative.
Awards
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award - January 2022
- Asheville Black Excellence Experience - honoring leadership and commitment to community - August 2023
- Western Carolina University Masters of Public Administration Alumnus of the Year - September 2023
- NC MWBE Coordinators' Network - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Award - November 2023
- Land of Sky Regional Council - Robert E. Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Excellence Award - November 2023
- Office of the Governor - The Order of the Long Leaf Pine - January 2024
Timeline
Equity & Inclusion Director
City of Asheville Government
10.2021 - 01.2024
Interim Equity & Inclusion Director
City of Asheville, NC
07.2021 - 10.2021
Neighborhood & Community Engagement Manager
City of Asheville Government
01.2017 - 07.2021
Economic Development Specialist
City of Asheville, NC
01.2013 - 01.2017
Administrative Services Manager
City of Asheville, NC
01.2009 - 01.2013
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Project Manager
City of Asheville, NC
01.2009 - 01.2013
Minority Business Program Coordinator
City of Asheville, NC
01.2005 - 01.2009
Director, Office of Minority Affairs
Buncombe County Government, NC
01.2002 - 01.2005
Certification Coordinator
Buncombe County Government
01.1998 - 01.2002
Western Carolina University
Project Management Certification
Western Carolina University
Master of Science from Public Administration
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science from Industrial Relations
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