The Board of Directors for The Mill District announced today they have hired Lauren Chambers as the first CEO of the organization. The Mill District (TMD) is a community development organization – similar to Uptown or Midtown – that encompasses four older, and historic Columbus, GA neighborhoods: City Village, North Highland, Anderson Village and Bibb Village. The Mill District was founded to serve as the lead organization or ‘community quarterback,’ to help transform and revitalize TMD into a vibrant, sustainable and thriving community.

The creation of TMD was heavily supported and staffed by Historic Columbus with Justin Krieg, Director of Planning and Programs for Historic Columbus. Krieg has been serving as the interim Executive Director, along with a volunteer Board of Directors. As TMD has grown and flourished, the Board made the decision to hire a full-time CEO to carry on the important work that was begun in 2014 (originally as the City Village project). Despite the pandemic, interest in the new CEO position attracted several dozen applicants. Chambers, a leader and professional with extensive, local, non-profit and organizational leadership experience, was a clear choice for TMD’s first full-time CEO.

Chambers was formerly the Marketing Account Manager for Amerigroup; the Volunteer Coordinator for the Columbus Alliance for Battered Women; and the Family Center’s F.A.S.T. Coordinator. She has a Master of Science in Community Counseling from Troy State University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Alabama State University, and graduated from Pacelli High School.

Chambers’ serves as a board member for the Columbus Convention & Trade Center, the Springer Opera House State Theatre of Georgia, the American Cancer Society, and Enrichment Services. She is also a member of the Junior League of Columbus, the Young Professionals, the GA Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., and the Columbus, GA Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Chambers grew up in Phenix City, Alabama and resides in Columbus, GA with her family. Chambers will start in the new position in early July 2021.