Katie Milligan-Dixon joins Winrock International as director of U.S. Entrepreneurship
Arkansas-based economic development leader will help advance Winrock’s U.S.-based entrepreneurship work
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Winrock International has named Katie Milligan-Dixon director of U.S. Entrepreneurship, bringing an experienced economic development leader to a growing portfolio focused on helping entrepreneurs, small businesses and rural communities build economic opportunity and resilience.
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Milligan-Dixon will lead entrepreneurship and economic development strategy for Winrock’s U.S. Programs, with an initial focus on the Delta region, including Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Her role includes guiding program strategy, strengthening partnerships and identifying new opportunities to expand Winrock’s U.S.-focused entrepreneurship work.
Her appointment builds on a distinctly Arkansas legacy. Inspired by Winrock founder Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller’s vision of economic transformation for the state, Winrock has spent decades working with rural and small-town communities and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems in the U.S. heartland. Today, that work includes supporting startups and connecting entrepreneurs with capital, technical assistance and markets, while strengthening the broader systems that help businesses and local economies succeed.
“Our entrepreneurship work has always focused first on creating opportunity, strengthening communities and helping people find the right tools and connections they need to build their own futures,” said Maqsoda Maqsodi, Winrock’s president and CEO. “Katie brings deep experience in entrepreneurship and economic development, and a real understanding of rural communities. We’re excited she has joined our team to help lead the next chapter of this critical work.”
Winrock’s U.S. entrepreneurship portfolio has included the Arkansas Women’s Business Center, Science Venture Studio, and the Validation Fund, among other multi-year initiatives. Its approach emphasizes strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, connecting entrepreneurs to funding and technical assistance, and supporting business and job creation, particularly in rural and small-town communities.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Katie to Winrock,” said Lucy Jodlowska, Winrock’s senior director of U.S. Programs. “She understands what it takes to build strong entrepreneurial ecosystems, bringing together the networks, partnerships, capital and support that help good ideas take root and grow. Her experience is invaluable as Winrock deepens its dynamic entrepreneurship work in Arkansas, across the Delta region and beyond.”
Before joining Winrock, Milligan-Dixon served as program director for entrepreneurship and workforce at Heartland Forward, where she led initiatives focused on entrepreneurial growth and regional competitiveness. Her previous roles include chief of staff at Start Co. and director of small business and entrepreneurship at the Delta Regional Authority. Milligan-Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.
Entrepreneurship is a key component of Winrock’s 2026-2028 strategy, supporting the organization’s focus on resilient rural communities and stronger environmental and enterprise ecosystems. Across its U.S. and global programs, Winrock integrates entrepreneurship with technical expertise, training, mentorship and access to capital, supporting the growth of ethical supply chains and competitive markets for U.S. producers and businesses.
Related Projects
Science Venture Studio at Winrock International
Science Venture Studio at Winrock International is a science-and-technology startup facilitator that helps promising new, Arkansas-based ventures commercialize and obtain federal funding. The SVS project works with early-stage companies to help them obtain critical, non-dilutive federal funding – front-end cash that does not require startup entrepreneurs to forfeit any equity in their new businesses. The…