Alumnus leads economic growth initiatives in developing countries

During his time at Malone, Kenny Miller ‘97 gained a foundation that would lead him to the job he has held for the past 18 years with the U.S. Federal Government. In his role, he works in economic growth and poverty alleviation programs out of the U.S. Embassies in El Salvador, Cabo Verde, Ghana, and Mozambique.

While at Malone, Miller majored in international affairs and Spanish. He spent his first six semesters on campus, and his final three semesters studying away in the Latin American Studies Program in Costa Rica, the Creation Care Studies Program in Belize, and the American Studies Program in DC, respectively.  

“The time I spent in Canton was great. I formed relationships with life-long best friends and my Christian growth was truly cemented in those years,” he said. “Though I have to say, the crown jewels of my Malone experience were the opportunities to take part in the off-campus programs which really transformed me and my understanding of putting faith into a vocation.”

Today, Miller serves as country director for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where he is in charge of managing large development initiatives in these developing countries.     

“I’m responsible for managing the full program, which includes all aspects of design, implementation, fiscal oversight, political and diplomatic relations, monitoring and evaluation, and the list goes on. In essence, it's my baby, and I'm truly blessed to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of communities and individuals in desperate need of the chance to live a more dignified life,” he said. 

Miller is thankful for his time at Malone and the impact it had in laying the foundation for the work he gets to do every day. 

“My time at Malone helped orient my bearings and provided me with many of the tools needed to be effective in my various roles,” he said. “My education emphasized being centered in Christ, respecting individuals and diverse communities, and relating to and leading people. I gained confidence in addressing and solving complex problems, and experienced the joy of hard work in difficult environments with eyes on the greater prize. I am grateful for the education and perspectives refined during my Malone years.”