Rhonda Miller
Newport,MI
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Economic Development Director / DDA Director
City of Ecorse
Ecorse, MI
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborate closely with the Mayor, City Council, local, state and federal agencies to identify funding opportunities and advocate for transformative community projects.
- Secured $8.6 million in incentive programs and grants through partnerships with MEDC, EGLE, and other state and federal sources, fueling infrastructure upgrades and business development.
- Spearheaded a 30% reduction in development approval timelines by instituting a fast-tracked permitting and site plan review process in coordination with planning and building departments.
- Actively manage a $550,000 annual budget for DDA and Economic Development projects, ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with master plan objectives.
- Draft and distribute weekly economic development updates to staff, elected officials, stakeholders, and regional partners, promoting interagency transparency and alignment.
- Champion equitable development with a strong focus on affordable housing, mixed-use projects, and public-private partnerships that promote long-term community resiliency.
- Lead downtown place making efforts, including the development of a comprehensive street scape design plan for the city’s central business district.
- Maintained highly intensive schedule of visiting with potential donors and delivering compelling presentations and comprehensive fundraising proposals.
- Attended special events, acting as city development representative and making new contacts with local, county, state dignitaries, developers, subcontractors, and program managers.
Owner / Creative Director
Artistic Ape Studio
Newport, MI
10.2021 - Current
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation cutting expenses by 30%.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with over 150 clients, resulting in 40 % repeat business and referrals.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers resulting in a 35% increase in new customers.
- Negotiated contracts suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established foundational processes for business operations, resulting in 45% decrease in product waste.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Deputy City Clerk
City of Flat Rock
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed day-to-day front office operations, including greeting constituents, handling over 150 citizen inquiries weekly, and resolving service issues with professionalism and efficiency.
- Processed all public record requests with 100% compliance to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ensuring timely and lawful responses.
- Coordinated preparation, assembly, and distribution of City Council agendas, resolutions, and meeting minutes in accordance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act (OMA), supporting government transparency and accountability.
- Spearheaded a digital records modernization project, introducing secure digital file maintenance protocols and improving access to archived municipal documents.
- Assisted with all election administration including documentation, absentee ballot coordination, and voter inquiries, maintaining strict compliance with local and state election laws.
- Supported City Council, Planning Commission, and administrative staff by facilitating accurate records management, meeting logistics, and legislative documentation.
Human Resources Admin Coordinator
City of Monroe
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Oversaw full cycle hiring processes for all city departments, including screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and managing onboarding logistics, supporting efficient personnel management across municipal operations.
- Scheduled and coordinated pre-employment requirements (drug testing, physicals, background checks), ensuring timely and compliant start dates for new hires.
- Led onboarding improvements by implementing digital forms and training modules, reducing processing time by 30% and enhancing interdepartmental coordination.
- Managed exit interviews, separation paperwork, and COBRA notifications, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant offboarding process and facilitated internal job postings, coordinated interview panels, ensured adherence to EEO policies, and processed internal transfers and terminations.
- Partnered with external agencies including Michigan Works, MML, and staffing firms to develop talent pipelines and training programs—demonstrating ability to work with local and state-level partners.
Workforce Coordinator
Express
12.2020 - 03.2023
- Managed and trained talent acquisition specialists to provide exceptional end-to-end recruitment for job placements across clerical, industrial, and skilled trades classifications.
- Partnered with Michigan Works and community stakeholders to coordinate job fairs, workforce training initiatives, and resume workshops.
- Advised employees and supervisors on behavioral and attendance issues; developed formal corrective action plans and conducted performance evaluations.
- Coordinated employee transitions including relocations, job eliminations, and internal reassignments, ensuring compliance with HR best practices and city protocols.
- Maintained accurate and auditable records for onboarding, I-9 verification, background checks, and orientation completion in support of legal and contractual HR compliance.
- Supported internal communications between HR, department heads, and executive leadership, promoting cohesive cross-departmental operations and efficient staffing solutions.
- Contributed to administrative continuity through direct involvement in hiring, discharge, internal mobility, and employee relations processes consistent with municipal governance structures.
- Optimized schedules, forecasts and other tools to present to management.
- Reduced employee turnover rate by fostering an inclusive work environment and addressing staff concerns promptly.
Project Manager 5 Yrs/ Project Coordinator 1 Yr
Detroit Stoker Company
09.2014 - 12.2020
- Provided direct administrative and operational support to 5 Project Managers and 6 Engineers, coordinating documentation, schedules, and meeting logistics to streamline cross-functional collaboration.
- Processed purchase orders, change orders, tracked procurement activities, and monitored equipment shipments to meet delivery milestones.
- Generated technical documentation including Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) manuals, engineering drawings, and project status summaries, ensuring clear internal and external communication.
- Coordinated detailed project records, complex billing schedules, and timelines, supporting compliance with contract terms and ensuring accurate documentation for capital equipment projects.
- Supported project cost tracking and budget adherence through administrative coordination and reporting.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration – Management & Leadership
University of Maine At Presque Isle
Presque Isle, MA06.2027
Associate of Applied Science - Web Design | Graphic Design
Monroe County Community College
Monroe, MI05.2011
Skills
- Project management
- Organizational strategy development
- Effective public speaking
- Clear verbal and written skills
- Detail-oriented approach
- Diligent and trustworthy
- Proficient in handling multiple tasks
- Analytical reasoning
- Strong time management abilities
- Marketing - Online, Social Media and Print
- Solution Development
- Computer Software / Application Skills: Adobe Acrobat Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Mail, Calendar, Slides etc), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Project, Outlook, Office 365, Teams) Autocad, Zbrush, Ariba, Coupa, Zoom, Slack, Trello, ADP, Salesforce
Certification
- Basic Life Support (CPR) & AED
- Microsoft Office Specialist Cert.
- Diploma of Project Management
Affiliations
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- Michigan Association of Planning (MAP)
- YMCA of Southgate – Board Member - Philanthropic Programs
- ARC of Monroe - Board Member - Community Engagement
- Miss Downriver Scholarship Program - Co-Director
Timeline
Economic Development Director / DDA Director
City of Ecorse
08.2024 - Current
Deputy City Clerk
City of Flat Rock
05.2024 - 08.2024
Human Resources Admin Coordinator
City of Monroe
03.2023 - 05.2024
Owner / Creative Director
Artistic Ape Studio
10.2021 - Current
Workforce Coordinator
Express
12.2020 - 03.2023
Project Manager 5 Yrs/ Project Coordinator 1 Yr
Detroit Stoker Company
09.2014 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration – Management & Leadership
University of Maine At Presque Isle
Associate of Applied Science - Web Design | Graphic Design
Monroe County Community College