Sarah A. WALSH
Columbus,OH
Summary
Proven senior leader with a record of driving sales growth, strategic partnerships, and large-scale program expansion. Consistently achieved new business and renewal targets while cultivating relationships with schools, districts, state agencies, and philanthropic organizations. Recognized as a sought-after public speaker, regularly invited to present research-based results at superintendent groups, national conferences, and leadership forums. Demonstrated ability to influence strategy and deliver measurable growth as a top-performing individual contributor, contributing to the expansion of services from 300,000 to over one million participants served annually.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, School and Community Advocacy
Cook Center for Human Connection
12.2021 - 08.2025
- Directed advocacy, partnership & sales operations across a 5-state region, aligning strategy with business development and program growth for long-term success.
- Built a new regional program from $0 to $750K annual revenue in 3 years, achieving 82% client retention and increasing additional services purchased by 45% of existing clients, despite limited funding.
- Recognized as a sought-after speaker, presenting at superintendent groups, national conferences, and organizational events.
- Led the design and execution of strategic campaigns in collaboration with Implementation and Impact teams to drive measurable outcomes in region.
- Scaled 6 flagship programs, increasing participation by hundreds of thousands annually in region.
- Leveraged data to strengthen advocacy to demonstrate measurable outcomes for renewal business.
- Led national initiatives and events to expand awareness, deepen engagement, and elevate organizational visibility.
Director, State Education Partnerships – Government Relations
Waterford.org
06.2018 - 11.2021
- Led program development and strategic partnerships, driving nationwide implementation of flagship program Waterford Upstart, serving culturally diverse and socioeconomically challenged populations.
- Directed full program lifecycle from strategy through implementation achieving [$1.4M revenue growth / 150% participation increase / expansion into 15+ states].
- Forged partnerships with associations, government agencies, and public/private organizations across local, state, and national levels, expanding program reach and impact.
- Recognized speaker, regularly invited to present research-based results at superintendent groups and national forums, influencing policy and securing organizational growth.
- Recruited, trained, and led a cross-functional staff of 8, including personal care reps, family engagement liaisons, and intake specialists, driving participant retention and community advocacy.
- Collaborated with research teams to analyze program data, measure success, and communicate outcomes to policymakers, agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Exceeded all program goals for funding, revenue, participation, demographic diversity, and inclusion through innovative strategies and strong stakeholder engagement.
- Recognized by executive leadership for mentoring colleagues in partnership strategies, customer retention, and program outreach, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
Director, School Relations
Waterford.org
12.2016 - 06.2018
- Cultivated and managed partnerships with district and school leaders to expand access to Waterford’s PreK–12 educational programs.
- Drove revenue growth by exceeding quarterly and annual sales goals through strategic relationship management and consultative selling.
- Delivered persuasive presentations and product demonstrations to decision-makers, increasing adoption of equity-focused education technology.
- Provide trusted guidance to administrators by leveraging expertise in education policy, pedagogy, and industry trends.
- Utilized Salesforce CRM to forecast accurately, manage pipelines, and report performance metrics.
- Championed equity in education by connecting underserved communities with research-backed programs that improve student readiness and outcomes.
Senior Strategic Partner Advisor
School Improvement Network
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Directed a regional team of 6, driving revenue growth and client retention for professional development programs across [5 states/region], achieving [82% revenue increase / $1.1M in sales].
- Served as a trusted consultant to State Education Agencies and national education organizations, advising on professional development initiatives and the integration of emerging EdTech solutions.
- Delivered client-facing professional development trainings on programs, services, and products, enhancing adoption, increasing program effectiveness, and strengthening long-term partnerships.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Ohio University
Athens, OhioSkills
- Strategic Partnerships & Relationship Management
- Advocacy & Community Engagement
- Sales Growth & Revenue Development
- Program Expansion & Implementation
- Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
- Data-Driven Strategy & Impact Measurement
- Leadership & Team Development
- Government & Grant Relations
- Education Policy & EdTech Expertise
- Communication & Stakeholder Influence
Affiliations
- KY DOE State Superintendent of the Year Selection Committee 2024 & 2025
- Member: Appalachian Ohio P-20 Council
- Member: AASA; Early Childhood Learning & Leadership for Well-being and Learning Cohorts since 2017
- Member: Great Plains Education Innovation & Research Task Force
- EmpathEd – Advisory Board & Director of Partnerships
Timeline
Director, School and Community Advocacy
Cook Center for Human Connection
12.2021 - 08.2025
Director, State Education Partnerships – Government Relations
Waterford.org
06.2018 - 11.2021
Director, School Relations
Waterford.org
12.2016 - 06.2018
Senior Strategic Partner Advisor
School Improvement Network
01.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science -
Ohio University
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