Albemarle County

Emily Kilroy is the Economic Development Director for Albemarle County, Virginia. Her public-sector career spans communications, community engagement and county leadership. After serving as interim director, she was appointed to lead the county’s economic development efforts. Her professional trajectory reflects a consistent focus on connecting public priorities with long-term economic opportunity.

Turning Community Insight into Economic Direction

Economic development is highly unlikely to be successful when there is no link between growth strategies and the aspirations of residents. The people desire investments and employment, but they also expect that development will take into account their identity and the needs of the community they live in.

When joining the economic development field, Kilroy had a wealth of experience dealing with the connection between government leadership and public participation. Previous work overseeing community relations and communication exposed her to the issues raised during policy-making discussions. It continues to serve her well today as she works on economic development, which often involves reconciling competing priorities while maintaining public confidence.

Apart from bringing business ventures to the area, her job entails understanding how economic strategies impact the neighborhood and employers. It also ensures that those opportunities align with broader community objectives.

This perspective has helped shape a leadership approach grounded in listening, coordination and long-term planning rather than short-term project activity.

Moving Redevelopment from Vision to Action

Redevelopment projects often become defining tests for economic development leaders. They require sustained coordination among public agencies, private investors and community stakeholders while maintaining momentum over extended timelines.

Kilroy has been closely involved in initiatives connected to Albemarle County’s long-range economic strategy, including redevelopment efforts tied to Fashion Square Mall. Projects of this scale demand more than project management. They require the ability to connect economic goals with community expectations and future land-use considerations.

Her responsibilities have also included advancing the county’s Economic Development Strategic Plan. That work focuses on creating a framework that guides decision-making over time rather than treating economic development as a collection of independent projects.

For local governments, this type of planning has become increasingly important. Communities face pressure to encourage investment while remaining thoughtful about infrastructure, workforce needs and future growth patterns. Economic development leaders must navigate those conversations while keeping long-term objectives in view.

Creating Conditions for Future Industries

Many communities are evaluating how emerging industries fit within their economic future. Success depends on identifying sectors that match local strengths and creating conditions that encourage sustainable investment.

Kilroy has supported efforts connected to biotechnology, national security and research-driven economic activity within the region. Her work requires assessing how those opportunities align with the county’s assets, workforce potential and development goals.

Projects such as Rivanna Futures reflect that broader responsibility. Economic development at this level involves collaboration across educational institutions, regional organizations and business communities. It also requires patience, as the benefits often emerge over many years rather than through immediate results.

In addition, her experience with regional organizations demonstrates an understanding that economic growth needs cooperation between regions. Much of economic growth is now determined by regional capabilities and not just municipal boundaries.

A Practical View of Economic Development

Economic development executives have their success judged by visible projects. However, their greatest contribution is the creation of the environment that makes investment possible. Kilroy’s career reflects that reality. With her experience working with the public and in county government, she has learned to focus on planning community alignment.

For public-sector leaders, her work offers a reminder that sustainable economic growth is often built through steady collaboration long before new projects become visible.