SARAH GOLDEN
Oakland,CA
Summary
Senior communications and climate leader with 15 years of experience in designing impactful communications, campaigns and convenings that drive action. Expertise in translating complex climate issues into engaging narratives. Proven track record of leveraging convening power to foster systems change and achieve measurable results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director, VERGE / VP, ClimateTech
Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
Oakland, CA
07.2023 - 05.2025
- Set the strategic vision, purpose, and narrative arc for VERGE, a 6,000-person flagship climate-tech convening engaging senior corporate leaders, investors, policymakers, and philanthropies.
- Managed event P&L and budgets in a highly matrixed team; assessed resource needs and made strategic tradeoffs in a rapidly changing event environment.
- Led end-to-end event strategy and execution-program design, content curation, run of show, and experience quality-while partnering closely with marketing, sales, production, and external vendors.
- Served as content and editorial lead, shaping themes, selecting and preparing speakers, writing briefs and talking points, and ensuring coherence across stages, formats, and materials.
- Represented VERGE publicly through keynotes, moderation, and media, reinforcing brand credibility and thought leadership.
- Built and activated large professional networks to drive sponsorship, attendance, and revenue, while maintaining mission alignment and quality.
Vice President, Energy / Chair, VERGE Energy
Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
Oakland, CA
02.2019 - 07.2023
- Curated issue-based programming and convenings to educate and catalyze organizations to act on the clean energy transition.
- Led teams through the company's pivot to virtual and hybrid events, creating new formats, revenue streams, and audience engagement models.
- Built strategic partnerships across NGOs, corporations, and experts to connect disparate players and elevate impact.
- Delivered ongoing thought leadership through a weekly column (30k subscribers), public speaking, and media interviews.
Founder & President
Golden Strategies
Oakland, CA
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Advised climate and clean-energy organizations on communications strategy, positioning, and storytelling in support of policy and philanthropic goals.
- Led strategic planning, messaging, branding, and content development for clients including American Jobs Project and Insure Our Future.
- Managed client relationships, timelines, budgets, and subcontractors to deliver high-quality work on schedule.
Campaigns & Digital Director
Cater Communications
San Rafael, CA
01.2013 - 06.2018
- Designed and executed integrated communications campaigns across in-person, earned, digital, and social channels.
- Provided media training for clients and organizations to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
- Translated complex policy and technical issues into clear narratives for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Set goals and tracked projects against qualitative and quantitative metrics; identified and pursued new funding opportunities.
- Worked closely with funders and foundations to meet objectives and fill gaps in coordinated strategies.
Research Assistant
Overseas Development Institute
London, UK
05.2012 - 11.2012
- Conducted research for Climate Finance and Deforestation teams, including work with DG CLIMA on market-based climate initiatives.
- Analyzed and refreshed outreach materials for COP-related engagement with target audiences.
Education
Certification - Financing and Deploying Clean Energy
Yale University
01.2022
M.A. - Communications & Broadcast Journalism
University of Southern California
01.2012
B.A. - Politics & Environmental Studies
Whitman College
01.2009
Skills
- Event strategy and design
- Content leadership
- Collaboration and influence
- Operational excellence
- Public speaking and communication strategies
- Climate technology and policy
Timeline
Executive Director, VERGE / VP, ClimateTech
Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
07.2023 - 05.2025
Vice President, Energy / Chair, VERGE Energy
Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
02.2019 - 07.2023
Founder & President
Golden Strategies
06.2018 - 02.2019
Campaigns & Digital Director
Cater Communications
01.2013 - 06.2018
Research Assistant
Overseas Development Institute
05.2012 - 11.2012
Certification - Financing and Deploying Clean Energy
Yale University
M.A. - Communications & Broadcast Journalism
University of Southern California
B.A. - Politics & Environmental Studies
Whitman College