Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Mckinney
Hi Sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia. What a place to explore as a kid! I started college at Georgia State University and lived with my grandparents in the Tucker-Clarkston area. It was an experience living with them as my grandfather had Alzheimer’s and that opened my world to what became my major – Social Work. I finished college at UGA with that degree and started working where I did my undergrad practicum at the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)! For 15 years I worked at ACCA, serving a number of different programs related to helping older adults live well and age well! Started my next career at the University of Georgia (UGA) working at the Georgia 4-H Foundation serving the State’s youth development program. I then got an awesome opportunity to lead the Athens Area Community Foundation where I have been in service since March 2017. What a joy leading philanthropic and community efforts in the northeast Georgia region! I understand the power and role giving makes in a healthy and vibrant community and see philanthropy as a fundamental economic development activity.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Said with humor “There ain’t a think about this life that has been smooth.” So no, my life has not been smooth, but it has been blessed beyond measure. I have had opportunities to fail and succeed, deeply love and deeply grieve. I’ve messed up and I’ve been on top. I have stuck my foot in my mouth, and I have given talks that make a grown man cry. I am a mess, and I am polished. I like me like that.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in nonprofit leadership, management, and philanthropy. I am insatiably curious about the nonprofit (business) community. My gut instinct thinks I may be known for relationship building, collaboration, and connection. Others would see my passion for (effective, transparent, authentic) fund raising. Personally, I am immeasurably proud of my family. Professionally, and I am proud of the organization we have built that is our “Community’s Foundation” (Athens Area Community Foundation). We work each day to “grow giving for the community we all love” and are relentless in our pursuit of how we can be an exceptional grantmaker for our beloved community.
What matters most to you?
Gratitude. Authentic connections. Human connection. Light and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://athensareacf.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mckinney-cfre-50921119/
Image Credits
Cassie Wright Photography
Rouse Photography
