IEC welcomes Sarah Green as Executive Director

IEC is pleased to announce that Sarah Green has joined the organization as the new Executive Director of the Iowa Environmental Council, where she will lead the organization in its efforts to create a just, healthy environment and a sustainable future for all Iowans. 

For the last ten years, Sarah has worked with local, statewide, and international nonprofits to serve marginalized and priority communities. Says Sarah, “I am delighted to bring my knowledge, expertise, and experience to this amazing organization doing great work across the state. IEC serves a unique need in Iowa’s environmental community, and I look forward to helping drive growth and excitement around IEC’s policy and advocacy work to increase the adoption of clean energy, improve and protect Iowa’s treasured land and water resources, and address environmental injustices across the state.”

Most recently, Sarah served as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for Lutheran Services in Iowa, one of Iowa’s oldest and largest nonprofits. Sarah oversaw philanthropy, marketing, advocacy, and immigrant and refugee community services, responsible for diversifying funding streams, engaging new donors, and expansion of refugee resettlement services to Des Moines, Waterloo, and Sioux City, IA. Sarah managed the LSI Charitable Foundation and was responsible for growth of the organization’s endowment.

Prior to her role with LSI, Sarah served as Director of Development for Blessman International and Manager of Special Events and Volunteers at Children’s Cancer Connection.

"The Board is thrilled to welcome Sarah to this role at the Iowa Environmental Council," says Jennifer Hermsen, IEC Board President. "Her extensive knowledge of non-profit operations, fundraising, outreach and collaboration, as well as her commitment to social justice and environmental issues made her the ideal fit for our organization.”

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leisure, Youth and Human Services with an emphasis on Nonprofit Management and minor in Public Relations from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master of Public Administration with emphasis in Executive Leadership Development from Drake University.

Sarah has received her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from the National Coalition Building Institute Diversity Training, and certificate in Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence from the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center. Sarah leads the Church and World committee for Westminster Presbyterian Church, supporting communities in El Salvador and Hungary, and volunteers for Ronald McDonald House Charities and West Des Moines Parks and Rec.

Sarah is a West Des Moines native and lives there today with her husband, Brent, and 2 year-old son, Cameron. When she's not working, Sarah can be found riding her bike on the great Central Iowa trail system, traveling to National Parks, and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Sarah can be reached at green@iaenvironment.org.