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

Millar Strategies, LLC is a SWAM-certified consulting firm committed to empowering higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies. We leverage in-depth research, policy analysis, workforce trends, and data insights to help organizations remain impactful and competitive in today’s rapidly evolving environment. Our approach includes developing actionable strategies to guide institutions in navigating the competitive environment while maintaining their core mission and strengths.

At the core of our mission is a passion to educate and raise awareness about the current landscape, helping organizations learn how to remain relevant and competitive by leveraging their unique strengths in a respectful and intentional manner. While change is inevitable, we believe meaningful and sustainable change occurs when it is approached with respect and consideration for institutional values.

Heather E. Millar, Ph.D., MBA, leads Millar Strategies, LLC, bringing over 20 years of expertise in higher education, nonprofit management, and state agency leadership. Her background in research, strategic planning, fundraising, and marketing and communications has driven measurable success across multiple sectors.

With a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from the VCU Wilder School, Dr. Millar possesses extensive experience in higher education research and strategic planning at both state and university levels, making her a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of modern academia, nonprofit management and workforce development.

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 connect …

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

  • "Under Heather's 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