The former public affairs director for Rockdale County joined the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County as a paid consultant.

Julie Mills, who was working on regional initiatives on homelessness as a part-time employee with the United Way, announced she had left the United Way and would be working with the Hospital Authority. Her last day with the United Way was on Friday and her first day with the Hospital Authority was Monday. She will be working part time with the Authority in administrative and public education efforts.

"The Hospital Authority offered me this position and it was wonderful local opportunity," said Mills. "I’m looking forward to taking it forward to the next level and making sure anyone who qualifies is aware of the grants."

The Hospital Authority gives grants for health-related programs in the county using funds from the 2009 sale of the Rockdale Medical Center to private corporation, LifePoint Hospitals LLC. The Hospital Authority is in its second year of grant giving.

Mills was formerly public affairs director for Rockdale County from 1994 to 2006, chief of staff for the county from 2006 to 2009, and public affairs director again for the first half of 2009.

The Authority board voted at its April 26 meeting to hire Mills as "a consultant in helping the authority with its grant program and related administrative matters." The vote was unanimous among the members present at its April 26 meeting and there was no discussion. Mills had previously volunteered services for the Hospital Authority.

The Authority board's next meeting is May 24, 5:30 p.m. at the Private Dining Room at Rockdale Medical Center, close to the North Entrance of the hospital (facing Milstead Avenue).  The meeting is open to the public.