Betsy Neely Sikma
About Betsy Neely Sikma
Betsy Neely Sikma serves as the Senior Director of Communications and Community Relations at Milliken & Company, where she has worked since 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Furman University and a Master of Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University.
Current Role at Milliken & Company
Betsy Neely Sikma serves as the Senior Director of Communications and Community Relations at Milliken & Company, a position she has held since 2022. Prior to this role, she worked as the Director of Communications and Community Relations since 2020 and as the Director of Corporate PR & Internal Communications since 2019. Her work at Milliken & Company is based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she has contributed to the company's communication strategies and community engagement initiatives.
Previous Experience in Economic Development
Before her tenure at Milliken & Company, Betsy Neely Sikma worked at OneSpartanburg, Inc. as the Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurial Development from 2017 to 2019. She also held the position of Vice President for Talent and Economic Inclusion at the same organization for a year in 2019. Her experience in economic development focused on supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurial growth in the Spartanburg area.
Educational Background
Betsy Neely Sikma earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Furman University, where she studied from 2000 to 2004. She furthered her education at Vanderbilt University, obtaining a Master of Theological Studies from 2006 to 2009. Her academic background provides a foundation for her work in communications and community relations.
Career in Nonprofit and Development Roles
Betsy Neely Sikma has extensive experience in nonprofit organizations. She worked at Accion as the Director of Development and Communications from 2012 to 2015 and later as Vice President of Strategic Development & Marketing from 2012 to 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, she served as the Director of Communications for the Community Renewal Society and Protestants for the Common Good from 2011 to 2012. Her roles in these organizations involved strategic communication and development efforts.
Early Career and Initial Roles
Betsy Neely Sikma began her career at The Fund for Theological Education as an Associate in Calling Congregations from 2004 to 2006. This early experience contributed to her understanding of community engagement and communication within faith-based organizations.