My Belief
I believe we can improve the planet and people’s lives without sacrificing our economic wellbeing. In my corporate career, I experienced first-hand how sensible clean air policies can significantly reduce pollution at a fraction of the projected cost to industry. And today, the renewable energy industry is one of the largest job creators in our modern economy. I’m confident we can overcome our greatest challenges — such as climate change and adaptation — cost-effectively by investing in people, fostering innovation, and increasing access to capital for early-stage companies.
My Value
In my 1.0 career, I held a number of executive positions at a Fortune 500 energy company, helping the organization grow its deregulated business from a start-up into an industry leader with a global footprint. I look back at the most challenging episodes of my career as the most rewarding. I apply my corporate experience and lessons learned to advise early-stage companies in many areas — including governance, organizational structure, strategy, fundraising, financial reporting, risk management, deal structuring and M&A.
My Commitment to the Community
I grew up all over the world, living in half a dozen countries before I turned ten. The diversity and cultural richness I experienced at an early age instilled in me the belief that we are all connected and part of one global community. I have served as Chair of UNICEF USA’s Mid-Atlantic regional board and member of its National Development Committee. I have also served on the honorary board of Halcyon, an incubator for social entrepreneurs and artists, and am currently an advisor to the Energy Analysis & Policy program at UW-Madison as well as a MERLIN mentor.
What you might not know about me …
My academic background was in particle physics but when my doctoral project was canceled, I turned my attention to environmental issues. I've published several papers on climate change, clean air and renewable energy policy, which have been widely cited. I was born in London though I've always supported Liverpool FC, I speak three languages, and I’m a part-owner of a biodynamic farm in the UK. I've traveled all over the world and do not believe in coincidences.
Sarah's Belief
Sarah believes that social good does not have to come at the expense of sound business. For many years, these were two completely separate concepts in her life, as she juggled her management consulting career with her desire to support philanthropic ventures. During a women’s microfinance project in rural India, Sarah experienced how the infusion of financial and human resources from local banks not only empowered entrepreneurs, but transformed entire communities. A few years later, she co-founded MaSa Partners to support entrepreneurs in their quest to transform socially responsible initiatives into financially sustainable businesses.
Sarah's Value
Over her career, Sarah has led projects for government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, and has seen what works and more importantly what doesn’t work. She has always adopted an inclusive, consensus-driven approach to develop plans that achieve results. For example, Sarah’s work for the Under Secretary of Defense involved a large stakeholder coalition and saved taxpayers tens of millions. She was also honored as the youngest ever recipient of the Booz Allen Women’s Success Award.
Sarah’s Commitment to the Community
Sarah's commitment to the community has been a constant in her life. She has served on numerous non-profit boards, as well as a Congressional Task Force on PTSD. Her work has supported a wide range of missions ranging from women and gender equality to the wellbeing of veterans and service members. Her commitment to my home state of Wisconsin led her to take a sabbatical from MaSa Partners to save the Office of the State Treasurer. After running the campaign to defeat the referendum proposing to eliminate this constitutional office, Sarah ran for the position and was elected State Treasurer in November 2018.
What you might not know about Sarah …
Sarah's passion for politics developed at an early age during stints as student body president of her middle school, high school and college. Sarah left MaSa in 2018 to focus exclusively on public service.
