Roanoke Regional Partnership Director of Business Investment Named to North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers

Consultant Connect announced its annual list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers, and Ann Blair Miller, the Roanoke Regional Partnership’s director of business investment, was awarded the recognition. Miller has worked in economic development for 25 years. Her superpower is relationships—she has the ability to build meaningful connections with everyone she meets, which has directly led to her success.

Ann Blair Miller, Director of Business Investment

According to Consultant Connect, “The Top 50 Economic Developer Award by Consultant Connect is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of economic developers across the globe. This accolade honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in driving economic growth and prosperity in their communities.” It’s extremely fitting that Ann Blair was recognized as she has been a part of several projects over her tenure with the Roanoke Regional Partnership and Virginia Economic Development Partnership, all of which have brought prosperity to our region.

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” said Ann Blair Miller director of business investment with the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “It is a genuine pleasure working day-to-day with the team at the Roanoke Regional Partnership and with our local partners whose efforts make our region successful.”

Group of six economic developers smiling at the camera at a putt-putt golf course.
Ann Blair Miller (center left) enjoying putt-putt with her I-81 Corridor cohorts and site consultants in Greenville, SC.

“The Consultant Connect team looks forward to releasing the Top 50 list every year because we believe that the work of economic developers is not only transformative to communities, but it is deeper than that,” said Consultant Connect Managing Director Carla Sones. “Each year jobs are created that impact individuals and their families. We are truly honored to provide a platform for North America’s top economic developers to be recognized for the passionate commitment they have made to the communities they serve.”

“Ann Blair is among the most knowledgeable economic development professionals I have ever met. This award puts a well-deserved spotlight on Ann Blair’s passionate work to grow the region through effective business attraction strategy and relationship-building,” said John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “Her contributions have solidified many of the most celebrated and impactful economic development announcements in the region’s history.”

Local economic developer partners and Roanoke Regional Partnership staff at the Virginia Consultants Forum.

“Congratulations to Ann Blair Miller,” said Cathy Underwood, President of the Roanoke Regional Partnership board of directors. “The entire region benefits from the caliber of professionals serving on staff of this organization.” The Roanoke Regional Partnership is one of only a select few economic development organizations in Virginia with two top national ED professionals currently on staff.

Miller’s recognition comes on the heels of being featured in The Roanoker’s “20 Extraordinary Women over 50.” Partnership staff is honored to work alongside her and congratulate her on these recent, well-deserved recognitions.