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As Director of Community and Government Relations, Sarah Smith leads ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ’s efforts to build and sustain meaningful connections between the College and the broader community. Her work advances the College’s mission of civic trust and regional vitality through public programming, government relations, and collaborative engagement.

She develops and implements outreach strategies in partnership with local, regional, and state collaborators—aligning College resources with community priorities to strengthen quality of life and economic opportunity. She also cultivates strong relationships with elected officials and policymakers to support initiatives that serve both institutional and regional goals.

Sarah’s portfolio includes leadership of public-facing initiatives, including events in the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion at Renfrow Hall. She organizes and promotes original programming—such as Smithsonian exhibitions and lifelong learning opportunities like Bucket Courses—to foster campus-community connections.

She represents the College through speaking engagements, media outreach, and civic partnerships, and contributes to orientation materials and VIP tours that showcase the vibrancy and welcoming spirit of Grinnell.

Prior to joining ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ in 2015, Sarah served as Executive Director of Imagine Grinnell, where she led the organization in securing over $1 million in funding for community-driven projects such as the Natural Playscape at Summer Street Park, the Grinnell Area Recreational Trail underpass, Grinnell Giving Garden, Little Bear Creek Clean Up, Monarch Waystations, Seed Saving Library, Grinnell Community Garden, and the Imagine Grinnell Solar Program.

Sarah holds a B.A. in Psychobiology from Luther College. She is active in community service through board service with UnityPoint Health–Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Luther College Parents and Family Council, and she coaches high school swimming. Sarah enjoys the joys and benefits of living in Grinnell with her spouse and two children.