A native of Early County, Hilary Halford was raised in Arlington, Georgia and is alum of Early County High School, class of 1981. After graduation Hilary attended Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. In 1984 she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art. Following college, Hilary worked as a graphic artist and illustrator with various firms.
Hilary moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia and then to Salisbury, North Carolina where, in 1996, she earned her Master’s Degree in Sociology and Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Non-profit Management at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte and UNC-Greensboro, respectively. She also worked for 10 ½ years with the Salisbury Housing Authority, Salisbury, North Carolina, as the Special Programs Manager, Director of Development and Property Manager, earning her Public Housing Manager’s Certification and North Carolina Real Estate Broker’s License. When the position of President of the Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce was offered, Hilary was excited at the prospects of moving back home.
“During my almost 27 years away, I have never forgotten that home is where my heart is and that’s in Early County. Since graduation, no place I have ever lived has had more sense of community, charm and hospitality than Early County, Georgia. I am so pleased to be back and look forward to giving back to the great community I grew-up in.”