Nate Miles

Board Member

“Highly respected”, “extremely versatile” and “tremendously effective” is how many describe Nathaniel “Nate” Miles, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for Eli Lilly and Company.  For more than 30 years, Nate has been a major force in the national healthcare, community and non-profit sectors.    

He has been called upon time and again to serve his community, state and country.  He is recognized by local and national leaders, elected officials and advocates as a powerful agent of change and reliable voice of reason. In addition to his leadership in the business community, Nate has spent nearly thirty years building coalitions among some of the most diverse populations to support public policy initiatives and affect change. 

Professional Career 

Nate is Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for Eli Lilly and Company, one of the nation’s top pharmaceutical firms.  Nate leads concept, development and flawless implementation of innovative and highly effective strategic initiatives, to generate sound public policy and brand support from traditional and non-traditional allies such as grassroots organizations, Faith based organizations, Communities of Color, labor organizations, civil rights/social justice and non-governmental organizations.  He’s breaking new ground for 21st century partnerships to further innovation in healthcare and business development for a global marketplace. 

As a Director for State Government Affairs for Lilly between 1994 and 2011, Nate was and continues to be responsible for state government relations, public affairs and external relations activities in his multi-state region.  In that role his team oversees the public payor market, which at it’s peak, was in excess of $100 million annual revenues.       

Nate began his career as a Marketing Executive for KIRO Broadcasting in Seattle (CBS Affiliate) where his ability to develop award-winning media/marketing campaigns and client relations, earned him high praise and recognition throughout the industry. 

In the 1980s, one of Washington’s most powerful political leaders hand-picked Nate to be his Chief Legislative Aide.  Here, Nate helped shape and direct many strategic policy initiatives for Washington Senate Majority Caucus Chair George Fleming. He gained bi-partisan respect and commendations for his role in creating international trade legislation that helped move Washington products into foreign markets and led the effort to structure groundbreaking economic development initiatives that helped revitalize Seattle’s Central Area Core Business District. 

Returning to the private sector, Nate joined the Senior Management Team at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC).  His efforts in government affairs, community outreach, facilities operations, retail development, labor negotiations and branding development were pivotal to securing $125 million dollars for the facility expansion. 

Community Leadership

As a trusted confidante and recognized problem solver throughout his career, Nate is constantly sought out by elected officials, and community based organizations, to serve in various leadership capacities including the boards of directors for many community and civic groups

Nate was called upon by then-President Bill Clinton, to join prominent business leaders from around the country as a White House Conferee on International Trade.  Nate, along with the others, advised the President on the development and implementation of landmark foreign trade policy. 

Locally Nate stepped up to the plate to join an elite “Blue Ribbon Commission” of concerned civic leaders, who crafted the landmark, multi million dollar, long range restructuring plan to save local parks. He was a central figure in creating profit-making partnerships with outside businesses, designing attractive re-financing scenarios, and re-shaping the parks management system. 

Nate has a stellar record or philanthropic involvement, and serves and/or has served on: The Board of Directors of The University of Washington Foundation, The Puget Sound Regional Council - Economic Development Board, Association of Washington Business, Medical Teams International, The Alliance For Education, Islandwood, The Seattle Chinese Nursing Home, Chair of the Board for The Seattle Urban League, and Seattle CityClub.  He sits on the NAACP Special Contributions Fund Board of Directors, and The National Action Network Corporate Advisory Committee to name a few. 

Honors

Nate’s work has been recognized on over 300 occasions, receiving a variety of honors and awards including the Edward “Eddie” Carlson Award for Seattle’s Leadership Tomorrow program; “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Central Area Motivation Program, a “Friends of JACL” (The Japanese American Citizen’s League) Award, and being selected as one of“ 30 Leaders of the Future” by Ebony Magazine.

Born and raised in Washington State, he is a distinguished graduate of the University of Washington, who resides in the Seattle area and is a married father of three.