In the 14 years ULI member Elizabeth McMillan has been with Charlotte-based Crescent Communities, her focus has largely been on commercial projects across the Carolinas. Since 2014, Elizabeth has served as the firm’s director of development, charged with overseeing every aspect of the development process across an array of retail, office and industrial projects.

One of the most challenging and rewarding projects Elizabeth has participated in is the development of Charlotte’s Tryon Place, a mixed-use development that broke ground in 2017. She says the best parts of her job are the people she works with and being able to work in the city she loves.

Elizabeth considers herself a good listener. She relies on this quality when engaging with stakeholders who may hold varying perspectives on a particular topic. She also advocates for “raising your hand often and speaking up” when it’s time to offer an informed opinion or to speak from the heart.

Citing ULI’s education-based content as one of the most valuable membership benefits, Elizabeth says the organization has helped her both increase her knowledge base and build lasting connections with others in the industry.

A native of Gastonia, NC, Elizabeth earned a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She loves spending time with husband Reid and their two sons, especially anywhere with a beach. Her favorite activity is spending time with family and friends. She loves to cook and entertain, and she’s a fan of yoga and Iron Tribe Fitness. The person she admires most is her mother. Early childhood education is the issue she is most passionate about in the community.