Her Story
About Sharon
Sharon K. Hill is the Executive Director of the Henry County Development Authority (HCDA) in McDonough, Georgia, where she leads strategic initiatives that promote economic growth, business investment, workforce development, and the expansion of existing industries throughout Henry County. Since joining the Authority in 2022 as Established Industry Manager, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with local businesses and advancing initiatives that enhance the region's economic competitiveness. Appointed Executive Director in 2025, Sharon K. Hill is dedicated to fostering meaningful partnerships among business, government, education, and community leaders to position Henry County as a premier destination for business and innovation.
Before transitioning into economic development, Sharon K. Hill built a distinguished career in human resources, including serving as an HR Director, where she developed extensive expertise in organizational leadership, employee relations, performance management, and talent development. Her professional journey began in broadcasting, working at a gospel radio station while still in high school before advancing into mainstream radio and television. She 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. Sharon K. Hill is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and industry leadership.
Sharon K. Hill attributes her success to a lifelong commitment to learning, believing that continuous study, reading, and personal growth create opportunities for meaningful leadership. Guided by the values of integrity, honesty, kindness, and service, she is passionate about helping others understand complex issues and empowering them to succeed. She encourages emerging leaders, particularly young women, to embrace challenges, view failure as a valuable learning experience, prepare for opportunities they cannot yet see, and remain authentic throughout their careers. Through her collaborative leadership style and unwavering dedication to her community, Sharon K. Hill continues to make a lasting impact on the economic prosperity and quality of life in Henry County.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sharon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to learning. I make it a priority to study, read extensively, and seek out the best information so I can continue to grow both personally and professionally. Just as important, I believe in treating others with the same respect, kindness, and honesty that I hope to receive. I take the time to explain complex topics in a way that people can understand because I believe knowledge is most valuable when it can be shared. Building trust through integrity, compassion, and genuine respect for others has been the foundation of my career and leadership.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is, "Don't be afraid to fail." Some of the most valuable lessons come from setbacks because those experiences stay with you and shape how you grow as a leader. Failure isn't the end of the journey—it's an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. Embracing challenges with resilience and a willingness to learn has helped me build confidence, make better decisions, and continue growing throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be prepared and embrace every opportunity to grow. Leadership comes with challenges that often go unseen, especially for women. While others may see confidence and professionalism on the outside, they don't always see the weight of the difficult decisions and responsibilities leaders carry behind the scenes. Stay authentic, trust your abilities, and remember that resilience, preparation, and perseverance will help you navigate those challenges. Your strength isn't measured by appearing perfect—it's demonstrated by your ability to lead with courage, compassion, and integrity, even when the path is difficult.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in economic development is helping people understand what we do and why it matters. Many people don't realize the significant impact that business and industry have on a community, from creating quality jobs to strengthening the local economy. In Henry County, industries contribute approximately 12–13% of the tax base, helping offset property taxes while supporting essential public services and infrastructure. At the same time, one of our greatest opportunities is improving how we communicate that value. By leveraging digital platforms such as our website, Facebook, and LinkedIn, we can better educate the community, share success stories, increase transparency, and build stronger public understanding and support for economic development initiatives.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. If I make a commitment, I follow through because trust is built by keeping your word. I also believe in being honest, even when the message is difficult to deliver. Bad news never improves with time, so it's important to communicate openly, address challenges promptly, and treat people with dignity and respect throughout the process. Leading with transparency, accountability, and compassion has been the foundation of the relationships I've built throughout my career.
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