Meet the Team
Ryan Miller
CEO
Ryan Miller, CEO
Ryan Miller serves as the CEO for the Oxford/Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. In this role, he is tasked with developing and deploying strategies that will lead to sustainable and responsible economic growth throughout Oxford and Lafayette County. He works closely with state legislators, university administration, and city/county leaders to ensure that increased economic development balances the uniqueness of the community we love with the need to grow opportunity for its people. He assumed this role in March of 2024 after having served as the first Executive Director for the Office of Workforce Development for the State of Mississippi. Otherwise known as “Accelerate Mississippi,” his office was tasked with organizing and focusing state and federal resources in an effort to increase Mississippians’ access to training and education thereby enhancing their marketability for high paying careers. Prior to this role, Ryan worked with the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence at the University of Mississippi for nearly thirteen years. He received a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the Croft Institute and a Juris Doctorate, both from the University of Mississippi. He and his wife reside in Oxford with their three children and one golden doodle.
Allen Kurr
Vice President Entrepreneurism and Small Business Development
Allen Kurr, Vice President of Economic Development
Allen Kurr serves as Vice President of Economic Development for the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. In this role, he works to strengthen the local economy by fostering business growth, supporting entrepreneurship, and promoting strategic community development. He also serves as a Business Counselor with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center, where he provides guidance to small business owners across the state.
With a background in public policy, small business, and economic development, Mr. Kurr brings a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to advancing Oxford-Lafayette County’s economic and community goals. His work reflects a deep commitment to improving quality of life and expanding economic opportunity for the region.
Mr. Kurr holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership from the University of Mississippi and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) through Grow America.
Before joining the EDF, Allen worked in both the public and private sectors, including an internship with the Mississippi Development Authority and hands-on experience with his family’s Oxford-based company, No Time 2 Cook, since its founding in 2006.
He has held several leadership roles within the profession, including serving as Mississippi’s Alternate Director for both the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) and the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC). He is an active member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Mr. Kurr is passionate about fostering the next generation of economic development professionals. He is a Founding Member of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Young Talent Cabinet, a Fellow of the MEDC Emerging Leaders Program, and a past President of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network.
Rosie Vassallo
Director, Resident Attraction Program
Rosie Vassallo, Director of Retiree Attraction Program
Rosie Vassallo, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising Design. Her creative work in advertising and graphic design has earned First Place honors from both the Kentucky Press Association and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. As an accomplished artist, Rosie has also won First Place awards in watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting across five states, including Kentucky, New Jersey, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Before joining the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, Rosie served for 13 years as Executive Director of the Madison the City Chamber of Commerce in Mississippi. Her innovative approach to leadership and commitment to excellence led to her being named one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Business Women by the Mississippi Business Journal. She has also been recognized in Who’s Who in Mississippi, featured in the Clarion Ledger’s “Sunday Morning With,” honored as Kiwanian of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Houma, Louisiana and nominated for the Girl Scouts Heart of the South's Women of Distinction Award.
As Director of the Retiree Attraction Program, Rosie Vassallo has played a key role in elevating Oxford–Lafayette County’s national reputation as a premier retirement destination—recognized by more than 75 publications as one of the best places to retire. Among her most innovative initiatives is the Landscaping Camp, the only program of its kind in the country. Created to showcase the natural beauty of the Ole Miss campus, which drew alumni and gardening enthusiasts from across the U.S., encouraging them to experience the charm of Oxford and consider making it their future home. The program earned an Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and received top-rated reviews from participants each year.