Board Director Sarah Means has served the NWCU board since 2019.

Sarah is currently the Oregon South Valley/Mid-Coast Regional Solutions Coordinator for the Office of Governor Kate Brown (2019–present). Previously, she served as the Community Economic Development Manager for Lane County (2009–2019). She also has held planning roles for the cities of Happy Valley (2004–2009) and Roseburg (2002–2004).

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning, Public Policy, and Management and a Master of Arts degree in Community and Regional Planning, both from the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR). She also has been certified by the Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK).

In addition to her NWCU board service, Sarah is also an active board member with Lane Workforce Partnership (2016–present); she previously served as president of the Oregon Economic Development Association (2013–2019), and served on the International Economic Development Association, Public Policy Committee (2015–2019).

Sarah’s hobbies include salmon fishing, hunting, camping, football (Go Ducks!)