Sarah Gaines

Sarah Gaines is a seasoned professional with two decades of leadership experience across various sectors. Her experience provides a unique perspective on systems, strategy, leadership, and change. 

Most recently, she served as Associate Partner at Opus, a boutique executive search firm specializing in recruiting exceptional leaders for colleges, universities, academic medical centers, and other nonprofits. Previously, Sarah was employed at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she oversaw fundraising and communications for the organization and consulting with other nonprofits on board roles and responsibilities, fundraising, succession planning, and executive search.

Sarah has worked with leaders in mission-driven organizations of all sizes. Her areas of expertise include strategy consulting, retreat facilitation, executive search, and succession planning. Sarah operates with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 

Sarah graduated Phi Beta Kappa from New York University and earned a Master's in Nonprofit Administration from Rosemont College. She earned a certificate in fundraising from the University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion from Northwestern University. She is an active volunteer in her community and enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters.

A lifelong learner, Sarah is excited to partner with organizations in exploring all that comes next for the leaders, organizations, and communities shaping the future.