Millar Strategies, LLC

Exceeding goals and expectations for over 20 years.

Where the art of human connection meets the science of success.

Guided by integrity, inclusiveness, and dedication, Millar Strategies, LLC is a SWAM-certified consulting business designed to empowering higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies to remain impactful and relevant in today’s ever-changing world.

It is my passion to educate and raise awareness about the current higher education landscape, helping institutions learn how to remain relevant and competitive by leveraging their unique strengths in a respectful and intentional manner. While change is inevitable, I believe meaningful and sustainable change occurs when it is approached with respect and consideration for the values and traditions of the academy.

I assist institutions in understanding the current higher education environment and their competition by leveraging research and the latest discussions around policy, data, and workforce trends. This includes designing actionable plans that address both credit and noncredit programs, emphasizing the importance of degrees and certificates as perceived by students and employers. With the rise of skills-based hiring, I guide institutions in understanding how this trend impacts higher education and how they can adapt while honoring the traditions of their institutions.

As the leader of Millar Strategies, LLC, Heather E. Millar, Ph.D., MBA, brings a unique skill set and educational background with over 20 years of successful experience in higher education, nonprofit management, and state agency work. With Dr. Millar’s expertise in research, strategic planning, fundraising, and managing marketing and communications, she has experienced great success and exceeded goals in several areas.

With a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from the VCU Wilder School, Dr. Millar has extensive experience with higher education research and strategic planning efforts at the state and university level.

Employers and clients

  • Higher Education

  • Nonprofits

  • State Agencies

Services

As the leader of Millar Strategies, LLC, Dr. Millar’s experience includes extensive knowledge of higher education policy and trends, workforce development, alternative credentials, career readiness programs, working with various types of boards and advisory councils, and serving as an integral member of grant management teams. She has also served on several strategic planning leadership teams at the state, university, and nonprofit organizational level.

Dr. Millar is an adjunct faculty member for the VCU Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs.

Assessment and evaluation

Providing data-driven insights to assess impact, identify opportunities, and enhance effectiveness.

Assist organizations develop clear objectives, strategies and actionable plans to achieve desired goals.

Internal effectiveness + external results =

organizational effectiveness

Research

Higher education trends including policy, workforce development and distance (online) education

Public Administration with specific interests in governmental decision-making, institutional theory, and social construction of target groups

Role of higher education in contemporary society 

Role of academic research in contemporary society 

Theoretical implications of the future of higher education institution

Fundraising

Courses taught: Fund Development and Nonprofit Law, Governance and Ethics

Established an office of institutional advancement with a fifty-year constituent base that had never been cultivated.

Years-long success rate with grant applications for regional nonprofit

Secured 22 scholarships in five years

Increased giving 250% over four years

Let’s chat …

Industry experts

Millar Strategies, LLC combines well-established expertise and the latest industry solutions from a team of trusted experts with demonstrated success from various backgrounds. Team members are selected based on areas of expertise depending on the scope of the project.

What people are saying

  • "Heather Millar has been instrumental in the success of our nonprofit REACHcycles! Her professional support with grant writing and many other tasks has allowed REACHcycles to grow beyond our expectations and in turn provide hundreds of bikes to children with disabilities. We are extremely thankful for her amazing work and dedication to our mission. She would make a valuable asset to any nonprofit no matter how big or small, she takes a personal interest in improving each mission's success."

    James Howard, Founder and President at REACHCycles

  • "Heather is a strategist who knows how to get the job done. She takes the time she needs to learn about a project and then very effectively brings the right people and resources together in a way that leads to extraordinary results."

    Suzanne M. Wright, Ph.D., CRNA, CHSE, CPPS, FAANA, Interim Dean and Associate Professor, Old Dominion University College of Health Sciences

  • "Over the years, Heather made all the difference. She was the one responsible for growing our endowment to levels that are unheard of in our specialty. Hiring her was absolutely the correct decision!! She made the role a vital part of our success Successful leadership inspires others… and Heather has, and continues to inspire many."

    Michael D. Fallacaro, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, FAANA, Former Chair and Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University

  • "I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Heather since 2010 when she served as the Executive Director of Tad’s Kids – a 501c3 that was established to honor the life of Tad DuPriest by providing financial relief for local families battling childhood cancer. Heather demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills for Tad’s Kids and the families that we serve. She was responsible for planning and overseeing our events as well as providing leadership and implementation of our strategic plan. Under her leadership, we increased our fundraising to record levels. Heather was focused and driven from day one resulting in continued growth of the organization. Her leadership skills and ability to strategize contributed to the success of Tad’s Kids and I feel would be a valuable asset to any organization."

    James A. Baber, IV, Senior Vice President, Investments, Raymond James, Tad’s Kids Board member