Sarah Buchanan
Executive Vice President, San Diego Housing Federation
Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah Buchanan grew up in a small Oklahoma town where the values of community, empathy, and creativity shaped her lifelong commitment to service and belonging. Nearly two decades later, she is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader known for building bridges between people, organizations, and opportunities for collective impact.
As Executive Vice President of the San Diego Housing Federation, Sarah advances housing justice through strategy, advocacy, and inclusive leadership. She is recognized for cultivating organizational cultures rooted in authenticity, care, and purpose—where people feel seen and valued. A 2024 graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group with the Fieldstone Leadership Network, she continues to deepen her practice of courageous, reflective leadership.
Her career spans philanthropy, marketing, and operations across nonprofit and corporate sectors, blending strategy with heart. She has stewarded hundreds of volunteer efforts and fundraising initiatives, mentored youth in foster care through music, and built DEI frameworks and national campaigns. Known as a trusted thought partner and coalition builder, she brings warmth, creativity, and purpose to every endeavor.
Sarah’s leadership has been honored with awards including the 2024 Distinguished Citizen Award from the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, Community Leader of the Year by the San Diego Equality Business Association, San Diego Business Journal’s 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40, and recognition as a Top LGBTQ+ Leader of Influence.
She serves on the boards of Circulate San Diego (Immediate Past Chair), Volunteer with Cheli, and ICON National Cares Foundation, and is a returning judge and host committee member for USD’s Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge.
Sarah holds a B.A. in English and Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Beyond her professional work, she embraces “soul work” through sound healing, advocacy, and creative expression, and treasures time with her 12-year-old Pomeranian, Lola.