FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2026

KO Consulting LLC Announces Hiring of Sam Miller to Lead Expansion into Appalachian Ohio

Firm strengthens commitment to rural communities with strategic addition

ATHENS, OH – KO Consulting, LLC is proud to announce the hiring of Sam Miller, a seasoned public sector leader, who will spearhead the firm’s expansion of services into Appalachian Ohio.

In this role, Miller will lead efforts to deepen KO Consulting’s presence across the region, working alongside community leaders, nonprofits, and public sector partners to advance economic development, strengthen local capacity, and support transformational projects.

“I am honored to join KO Consulting, and to work alongside such a talented and mission-driven team. This opportunity represents an exciting next step in my career, allowing me to continue advancing meaningful, community-focused work while helping clients translate innovative ideas into impactful outcomes,” said Miller. “There is tremendous opportunity to expand KO Consulting’s work into Appalachian Ohio and build on local strengths and drive lasting economic and community development.”

Miller most recently served as Development Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, where she led a high-performing team that connected local leaders with strategic data, funding opportunities, and program resources. During her tenure, Miller and her team facilitated more than $360 million in investment across an eight-county region. Her career also includes service as the Appalachian Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, where she built strong relationships across 25 counties and advanced initiatives connecting communities with federal resources and policy.

“Sam brings an extraordinary combination of strategic expertise, authentic community connection, and a deep commitment to Appalachia,” said Kristen Olmi. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we expand into Appalachian Ohio, ensuring that our work is not only impactful, but rooted in the unique strengths and opportunities of the region. We are thrilled to welcome her to KO Consulting.”

A native of Somerset, Ohio, Miller is an alum of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and a 2022–2023 Appalachian Leadership Initiative Fellow through the Appalachian Regional Commission. She currently serves as Board Chair of Rural Action and holds leadership roles with multiple statewide community development organizations.

If your organization is interested in working with Miller and the KO Consulting Team, we invite you to fill out a client intake form at https://bit.ly/KOIntakeForm.

KO Consulting is a community and economic development firm dedicated to helping make a difference in our communities. We provide support to establish, develop, and grow for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations and provide local governments with the support they need to make a lasting impact. We believe in our clients and work hard every day to see their vision become reality.

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Media Contact:

Pat Lowry
Consultant/Public Relations
KO Consulting, LLC
Ohio One Building, Suite 420
25 E. Boardman Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
Mobile (330) 727-6137 voice or text