Working Lands Program Director
ASK ME ABOUT: Land use policy | Wildfire
landuse@friends.org | she/her/hers
Sarah grew up in the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon, where her passion for local agriculture and protecting resource lands began. She attended Oregon State University’s Honors College and received a dual degree in political science with a concentration in environmental and energy policy and religious studies. Through college, Sarah’s desire to work at the intersection of working lands and policy grew, leading her to an internship at the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Sarah next worked in the Oregon Legislature for Senator Jeff Golden from 2020-2026. As Chief of Staff for Senator Golden—Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee—Sarah worked on policies related to land use, agriculture, forestry, and wildfire. When Senator Golden decided to retire, Sarah knew she wanted to continue working in a role to protect Oregon’s working lands and champion those who steward them. So, she has moved into the nonprofit sector, upholding 1000 Friends of Oregon’s longstanding focus on keeping working lands in working hands.
Sarah’s favorite places in Oregon include Mt. Ashland, the Hood River Valley, and Whale’s Head beach. In her free time, she can be found knitting, walking her dog, and watching hockey.