Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Millner (REDI 2022)

Job: Compassion Health Care, Inc. Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Currently Lives: Providence in Caswell County

Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

Q: In your opinion, what are the greatest assets of rural NC?

A: I’ve been in rural NC for 7 years. Because of my career here, I’ve noticed that the communities we serve are often defined by their strong sense of togetherness and close-knit bonds. Residents know their neighbors, and community involvement is a way of life. We celebrate traditions, support each other, and preserve the values passed down to us. Since being here, I’ve noticed a fostering sense of belonging that is a hallmark of rural life in North Carolina.

Q: What are the biggest community economic development challenges facing your town/county?

A: There are a few, for sure. Job opportunities are a hurdle. If I’m not mistaken, I believe it’s still over 80% of our residents who travel outside the county to work. Economic diversification creates a challenge when it comes to attracting new businesses and industries to the area. However, I believe we have people who are getting in where they fit in to help our community get to a point where we achieve sustainable economic development.

Q: What is the best hidden gem in your region?

A: While it’s beautiful, the true hidden gem isn’t in the landscapes, but the resilient spirit of community members who care about where they live. I believe these individuals are the heart and soul of Caswell County. They embody the values of hard work, kindness, and deep-rooted connections. They’re the friendly faces that greet you at the farmer’s market, the volunteers who support one another, and all the others who come together for a better community to overcome challenges, create positive change, and foster a sense of belonging that enriches the lives of everyone.

Q: Describe the impact that REDI has had on you both personally and professionally.

A: While I’ve lived in rural NC for 7 years, I’m constantly learning more. REDI helped me understand the complexities of fostering economic growth and gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities rural NC communities face. REDI has sparked even more in me to help make a tangible difference in the place I call home. I’m better equipped with the tools necessary to become an agent of change, and I thank REDI for that.

Q: What’s the best advice about leadership that you were ever given?

A: “Own the impact that we have on others.” That, among other things that were said in REDI has stuck with me. It emphasizes the personal responsibility and accountability for the influence we wield over people around us. It reminds me to take ownership of the consequences of my actions, words, and decisions on others. My behavior, whether positive or negative, reverberates through my relationships and my community. “Owning” the impact we have on others means that I acknowledge the power we hold to shape the world in a way that fosters respect, kindness, and betterment for all, inspiring a sense of personal duty to act in a manner that uplifts and enriches the lives of those we touch.

Q: What gives you the greatest pride in your work?

A: Marketing a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in rural NC is important. It directly affects the health and well-being of underserved populations in my area. Compassion Health Care, Inc. offers comprehensive services to our communities, and effective marketing not only raises awareness about our services, but also helps combat healthcare disparities and encourages residents to seek the care they need. I take pride in helping my community in this way. The tools I use help promote health equity and ensures no one is left behind in our pursuit for health people, healthy communities.

The NC Rural Center has worked since 1987 to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center serves the state’s 78 rural counties, with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit?www.ncruralcenter.org.?