Sarah Hanley
Chief of Staff
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dynamic Chief of Staff with a proven track record of program and people leadership. Known for blending shrewd business strategy with a people-centric approach, I thrive at the intersection of people, strategy, and operations. As a strategic operator and trusted advisor to Executive teams, I lean on curiosity and bias for action to be a force multiplier for my teams.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Chief of Staff and VP of Delivery
Vimly Benefit Solutions, Inc
Seattle, WA
07.2019 - Current
- Promoted to the Executive team in Jan 2024, responsible for HR and then Customer Success, accountable for growing ~$30M ARR business and establishing Customer Strategic Advisory Council.
- Supported three capital raises, including the majority sale to private equity in 2024.
- Was the Operating Partner for the PE owner, responsible for value creation initiatives across Customer Success, GTM, and Finance.
- Lead the diligence process and operational integration of a tuck-in acquisition that drove $2M in revenue and $1M in cost synergies in year one; received award for "Best M&A" across the Portfolio
- Championed internal AI initiative, creating cross-functional team and driving advancement of internal "AI IQ" and driving operational efficiency gains
- Established business rhythms through annual budgeting, planning, QBRs, and board meetings, and managed our Enterprise Operating System (EOS) to improve decision velocity
- Initiated and managed companywide OKR rollout, driving adoption across all teams to improve execution
- Managed Board and Investor Relations, including KPI reporting, Board packages, and investor newsletters.
- Program managed various strategic initiatives, leading to $1M+ ARR and $600K+ annual savings.
- Partnered with the CEO to craft and deliver key executive communications, including QBRs, customer proposals, executive readouts, monthly all staff meetings, and strategic internal updates
- Implemented Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) programs, including quarterly survey management, analysis, and execution of cross-functional improvement actions, including recognition and reward initiatives
- Acted as interim CFO for three quarters, overseeing financial modeling, and preparing for Series B fundraising.
- Served as a trusted thought partner to the Executive Team, coaching managers on OKR implementation and change adoption; shaping organizational strategy, identifying opportunities for efficiency, and driving alignment
- Equal parts strategic and tactical, drove operational excellence through consistent tracking of key initiatives, clear communication, executive coaching, and strong collaboration across teams.
Program Manager, People Operations
The Spur Group
Redmond, WA
03.2018 - 07.2019
- Managed a portfolio of programs driving the employee experience including annual engagement surveys + people analytics, onboarding + offboarding, rewards & recognition, L&D, perks & benes, employee resource groups.
- Managed 1st Diversity audit and built DEI program in partnership w/ ELT.
- Supported change management around a company-wide re-org.
- Was a true generalist utility player on a small team- at times running and leading strategy for Talent Acquisition, L&D, Internal Comms, and implementation and management of new HRIS people database (BambooHR).
- Supported hiring and on-boarding during period of 50% growth (including new CHRO role) working cross-functionally with Ops + Frontline Managers.
- Champion of agile, design-thinking methodologies, inclusive approaches, courageous conversations.
- Leveraged strategic planning, leaned on data and business acumen, and led w/ authenticity.
Regional Director
General Assembly
Seattle, WA
01.2014 - 09.2017
- Promoted to Director in 2015, overseeing day-to-day operations: marketing, sales, customer experience, business development, outcomes, facilities.
- Led 40% YoY growth, achieved 2017 revenue goal of $5mil while maintaining excellent program quality measured by avg 50 NPS.
- Led the move from a small co-working space to large office build-out downtown, putting us 'on the map'
- Monthly sales forecasting and P&L reporting, focused on strategic agility & drive for results.
- Collaborated w/ executive team working cross-functionally in highly matrixed environment.
- Managed diverse team: hiring, on-boarding, training, coaching, performance management, leadership development, local HR functions.
- Owned employee engagement, inclusion, issue resolution.
- Completed monthly public speaking and community engagements to grow customer base.
Customer Success Manager
Abroad101.com
Boston, MA
05.2012 - 10.2013
- Responsible for the overall customer experience of SAAS product pitching to Higher Education Industry.
- High volume pipeline management and client on-boarding.
- Developed a communications strategy to increase engagement, upsells, renewals.
- Identified new verticals for business development (webinars).
- Owned strategy & execution for annual Rankings Report and monthly Scholarship Campaigns: content creation, marketing materials, PR, multi-channel social media outreach.
- Created detailed reports and analyzed data to measure progress.
- Embraced technology to improve processes at every opportunity.
- Frequent Travel: face of company at national, regional conferences and community events on a weekly basis
Program Coordinator & Teacher
Payap University
Chiang Mai, Thailand
10.2010 - 11.2011
- Co-founded diverse residential learning community: tutoring, advising, coaching.
- Created / led orientation programs to increase student engagement scores.
- Developed / facilitated Inclusive Leadership workshops for audiences of 5-40 students; Co-led multi-night leadership retreats: staffing, curriculum.
- Taught 300-level Leadership Development course, 100-level ESL course.
- Upon departure, initiated succession planning protocol to improve knowledge transfer & decrease onramp time; resulted in an effective successor!
Program Assistant
Goucher College
Baltimore, MD
10.2010 - 11.2011
- Worked closely with Registrar on transcript translation; maintained large, detailed database.
- Provided strong customer service and ad-hoc advising to students, served as “front line” of the office.
- Conceived new strategies to hit recruitment targets including online verticals.
- Facilitated wellness training sessions for outbound students and completed various administrative tasks as assigned.
Field Recruiter
AFS Intercultural Programs
Washington, District of Columbia
12.2009 - 09.2010
- Traveling territory sales rep responsible for outbound lead generation.
- Established new school partnerships; Entered new recruiting markets; Created and presented multimedia lessons to audiences of 25-50 people in order to sell AFS Programs; responsible for successful client hand-off.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. Mary’s College of MD
05-2009
Skills
- Strategy & Planning
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Program Management
- Enterprise Operating Systems & OKRs
- Engagement & Culture Building
- Executive Communication & Storytelling
- Customer Advocacy
- Business Acumen Emotional Intelligence
Certification
Private Equity Executive Leadership Development, Rubicon Technology Partners - April 2024
Timeline
Chief of Staff and VP of Delivery
Vimly Benefit Solutions, Inc
07.2019 - Current
Program Manager, People Operations
The Spur Group
03.2018 - 07.2019
Regional Director
General Assembly
01.2014 - 09.2017
Customer Success Manager
Abroad101.com
05.2012 - 10.2013
Program Coordinator & Teacher
Payap University
10.2010 - 11.2011
Program Assistant
Goucher College
10.2010 - 11.2011
Field Recruiter
AFS Intercultural Programs
12.2009 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. Mary’s College of MD