Sharon K. Hill leads Henry County’s economic development push

Sharon K. Hill, executive director of the Henry County Development Authority, is using a background in broadcasting and human resources to support business retention, workforce development, and new investment in Henry County, Georgia. Her work is focused on helping local employers grow while improving how residents understand the value of economic development.

Why it matters: - Henry County’s economic development strategy depends on retaining existing employers, attracting new investment, and strengthening the local workforce. - Industries account for roughly 12% to 13% of the county’s tax base, helping offset property taxes and support public services and infrastructure. - Clear communication about economic development can build public support for business growth and community investment.

What happened: - Sharon K. Hill is the executive director of the Henry County Development Authority in McDonough, Georgia. - Hill leads efforts tied to business investment, workforce development, business retention and expansion, and strategic partnerships across Henry County. - Hill’s profile was highlighted by Influential Women on October 28, 2026. - Hill joined the Henry County Development Authority in 2022 as established industry manager and was appointed executive director in 2025. - The profile traces Hill’s career from broadcasting to human resources to county-level economic development leadership. - More information is available through Sharon K. Hill’s Influential Women profile.

The details: - Hill started working at a gospel radio station while still in high school. - She later worked in mainstream radio and television, building experience in public communication and storytelling. - Hill moved into human resources and rose to HR director and chief people officer. - Her HR background gave her experience in organizational leadership, employee relations, performance management, and talent development. - Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, a historically Black college and university. - She belongs to the Society for Human Resource Management, the Georgia Economic Developers Association, the Southern Economic Development Council, and the International Economic Development Council. - Hill says she keeps learning through study and reading, and she treats others with respect, kindness, and honesty. - She believes bad news should be shared quickly and directly because delay does not improve difficult information.

Between the lines: - Hill’s path suggests Henry County values leaders who can translate complex economic topics into plain language for residents and businesses. - Her broadcasting background likely helps with public messaging, while her HR experience likely informs how she approaches workforce needs and employer retention. - The authority’s use of its website, Facebook, and LinkedIn signals a more active effort to explain its work and increase transparency. - Hill’s emphasis on integrity and resilience points to a leadership style built around trust and long-term relationship management.

What’s next: - Hill will continue leading efforts to attract investment while supporting companies already operating in Henry County. - The Henry County Development Authority will keep using digital channels to share success stories and educate the public about economic development. - Hill is expected to keep focusing on workforce development and partnerships among business, government, education, and community leaders. - She also plans to keep promoting preparation, authenticity, and perseverance for young women entering the field.

The bottom line: - Hill’s leadership combines communication skills, people management experience, and economic development knowledge to support Henry County’s growth and competitiveness.