Sarah Gaines

Sarah Gaines brings decades of professional experience spanning nonprofit administration and executive search. She is a trusted partner for nonprofit clients seeking leaders to bring excellence, integrity, strategic insight, and purpose to their organizations.

Before joining BoardWalk Consulting, Sarah founded and led a retained executive search firm focused on leadership roles within colleges, universities, academic medical centers, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout her search career, she has partnered closely with governing boards, presidents, executive directors, and senior leadership teams, bringing a thoughtful and inclusive approach to identifying and engaging talent aligned with organizational mission and values.

Complementing her search work, Sarah has nearly two decades of direct experience in nonprofit leadership and administration, with roles spanning fundraising, marketing, and program development across the education, museum, and social service sectors. She has advised nonprofit boards and executive directors during periods of transition and growth, informing her holistic understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership needs.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from Rosemont College. She has earned professional certificates in fundraising through the University of Pennsylvania and in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion through Northwestern University.

A resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, Sarah also spends significant time in Princeton, New Jersey, reflecting both professional commitments and personal life. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring new places and ideas, and spending time with her family, especially her husband and their two college-aged daughters.