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Sarah Helm
Vice President of Development
Professional Background
Sarah Helm is an accomplished professional with a rich background in public administration and community development. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Development at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. In this crucial role, Sarah is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives that foster community engagement and philanthropic giving. Her extensive experience in leadership positions across various organizations has equipped her with a robust understanding of both the non-profit sector and the importance of community outreach.
Before joining the Community Foundation, Sarah excelled as the Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation at Memorial Health System in Illinois. During her tenure, she was instrumental in raising funds for critical healthcare services and initiatives, enhancing the foundation's visibility and support in the community. This position allowed Sarah to hone her skills in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, making significant strides in improving community health resources.
In addition, Sarah's prior experience includes serving as the Director of Research & Administration at the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies. In this capacity, she managed various projects focused on addressing the needs of low-income populations, demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice and equity. Through her research and administration efforts, Sarah contributed to data-driven decision-making processes that led to effective policies and programs across the state.
Sarah began her career as a Research Specialist at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she developed a passion for understanding the dynamics of public administration and policy development. This foundational experience shaped her career trajectory and fueled her desire to impact communities positively.
Education and Achievements
Sarah Helm holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield, where she deepened her knowledge of governance, public policy, and organizational management. Her academic pursuits also include a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University, giving her a unique perspective on human behavior, which she actively applies in her professional roles.
Her educational background complements her professional experience, allowing her to approach community development with a comprehensive understanding of both administrative processes and the psychological factors that drive community engagement. Sarah's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is evident in her active participation in workshops and conferences related to public administration and philanthropy.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Sarah Helm has made remarkable contributions that not only highlight her skills but also reflect her dedication to service and community improvement. Some notable achievements include:
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Fundraising Leadership: As the Executive Director at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation, Sarah led several successful fundraising campaigns that significantly increased resources for community health initiatives. Her ability to connect with donors and articulate the impact of their contributions has been pivotal in the foundation’s success.
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Community Engagement Programs: At the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Sarah has developed innovative community engagement programs that have strengthened the foundation’s relationship with the local population. Her efforts have resulted in increased public awareness and more robust participation in community-driven initiatives.
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Research-driven Initiatives: During her time at the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, Sarah was pivotal in launching research projects that provided critical insights into the challenges faced by low-income individuals in Illinois. Her work has informed policy-making and has been essential in shaping effective programming for these communities.
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Mentorship: Sarah is also known for mentoring young professionals in the field of public administration and community services. Her commitment to fostering talent in the non-profit sector highlights her passion for building a supportive network and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Sarah Helm’s dedication to public service and community development shines through in her professional endeavors. Her extensive knowledge gained through education and her diverse professional experiences make her a valuable asset to any organization dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing and social equity.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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