Meet Our Trustee: Andy McMillan

As the Director of Economic Development & Special Projects for Cherokee Nation Businesses, the holding company and economic engine of the Cherokee Nation, Andy McMillan, helps lead the Nation’s economic development strategy by acting as a connection point between governments, businesses, economic development organizations and host of other collaborators. He brings 20 years of experience in economic and workforce development, strategic planning and implementation and public administration to the position and the PartnerTulsa Board of Trustees. We caught up with Andy to learn about his vision for Tulsa, his passion for economic development and his inaugural season as a middle school soccer coach.

Q: Why do you serve on the PartnerTulsa board?
I was intrigued by the idea of Tulsa seeking to change the status quo in its pursuit of economic development and am honored to be asked to serve. That willingness to learn from other places and meld the best ideas into something new for Tulsa was too attractive to pass up. I like the entrepreneurial nature of the team here and the chance to see if we can try some new approaches to get different and better results.

Q: What current PartnerTulsa project are you most excited about?

I’m pleased to see PartnerTulsa’s work on affordable, attainable housing in the city. I’m anxious to see what the future holds for the Kirkpatrick Heights – Greenwood project. I think the Fair Oaks project is probably the most exciting for me as an economic developer. Adding new industries to the marketplace via this development has long-term potential to bring growth and opportunity to Tulsa and the region as a whole, diversifying our economy and creating new interest in working and living in Tulsa.

Q: What is your vision for Tulsa?

My hope for Tulsa is for a city that is constantly evolving to meet and create opportunities, and for a place that my kids and their kids will be proud to be from and show to others – a place that is not stagnant or leaving people behind. 

Q: What do you like/enjoy most about Tulsa?

 Tulsa has a lot of surprises and hidden gems, from food and music to entrepreneurs and treasured institutions. There’s a sense that you are only a step away from almost anyone in the city, and that yields a lot of potential energy: somebody you know knows somebody in or adjacent to whatever you want to explore.

Q: Please share a fun fact about yourself.
I’m heading into my first season as the girls soccer coach at Carver Middle School in Tulsa. I’m excited to work with these students on the “beautiful game” and what sport can teach us about ourselves and life.  Let’s go, Carver Wildcats!