Sara Irmen has over 23 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience. As the Chief Advancement Officer, Sara is responsible for creating, leading and implementing an integrated resource development and advancement strategy to build the organization’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. Sara and her team raise funds from private philanthropic contributions and public/private partnerships, and engage volunteer leadership to support Children’s Home & Aid’s annual operating budget, campaign goals and strategic initiatives.
Sara’s experience involves oversight of every facet of fundraising and involvement in four major campaigns, ranging from $2M to $75M. Her professional training as a social worker and early childhood teacher, combined with expertise in fundraising, have converged in her work at Children’s Home & Aid and fueled a track record of success.
Prior to joining Children’s Home & Aid in 2006, Sara raised funds for the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and worked in Chicacgo as a lead Head Start teacher at Howard Area Community Center and as a foster care case manager for ChildServ.
Sara received a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University.