Beth Schrader, Chief Strategy Officer, joined New Hanover County in 2007. In her current role, she has responsibility for policy development, strategy formulation and execution, and the administration and preparation of a more than $300 million budget.  Beth ensures the county’s allocation of dollars and policy formation are aligned with the county’s strategies.  She previously served as strategy and policy manager and senior budget analyst.

Prior to joining New Hanover County, Beth spent nine years in research and development with Procter and Gamble in the United States, Japan, and China developing innovative products and markets.  She also spent three years at Lehman Brothers. During her years with New Hanover County, Beth has worked on a number of initiatives including the consolidation of county and volunteer fire services, expansion of water and sewer services along U.S. Highway 421, and the development of the county’s strategy map. Beth also holds eight U.S. patents.

Beth has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in Finance from Cornell University. She is a member of several honor societies, including Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, and the National Merit Honor Society.  In her free time, Beth enjoys anything related to the arts and outdoor activities, including fly fishing and hiking.