07 Aug Hutch CF program officer announces retirement
Hutchinson Community Foundation Program Officer Sarah Blake will retire in September.
Sarah joined the foundation in 2016 as philanthropic services associate and was promoted in 2020 to program officer. Among her duties as program officer are grant and scholarship programs administration, Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) coordination and facilitation, and nonprofit outreach and support.
During her time at the Community Foundation, Sarah has been instrumental in elevating the voices of minority groups and rural Reno County communities. Through everything, she has prioritized and strengthened relationships with and among partners, donors and civic leaders. She made a particular impact on YPC members through her commitment to listening, empowering them to lead and showing up to their important moments.
“Sarah has been a beloved member of our team for nearly a decade, always creating a welcoming space and attitude for everyone who called with a question or entered a meeting she was hosting,” said Kari Mailloux, director of strategy. “Her authentic care for all people and interest in their lives and passions is a strong legacy that will have a lasting impact on the Community Foundation and Reno County.”
Sarah’s other roles before joining Hutch CF included serving as Dillon Nature Center office manager and Youth Leadership Reno County facilitator. Her volunteer and community leadership roles have included two terms on the USD 308 Board of Education and, for several years, as a youth mentor and classroom volunteer when her kids were young. She is an active member of the Hutchinson NAACP and Grace Episcopal Church.
A proud Salthawk and Jayhawk, Sarah is a graduate of Hutchinson High School and the University of Kansas. She and her husband, Chuck, live in rural Reno County and are parents to adult children, TJ and husband Tucker, Annie, and Joe.
Her last day will be Sept. 19. Well-wishers are invited to send cards in care of Hutchinson Community Foundation, PO Box 298, Hutchinson, KS 67504-0298.
A search for a new program officer will begin soon.