Sara Gerken brings deep experience in student affairs and program management, coupled with a passion for creating meaningful change in higher education. Before joining Credo, Sara served as a Hall Director at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville while earning her Master of Science in College Student Personnel. Most recently, she was a Project Manager at Mission Collaborative, where she coordinated strategic Career Design programs for university alumni associations, supporting more than 200 participants at a time.
leading with intention and heart
As a Project Manager on Credo’s Leadership Strategies team, Sara does more than manage timelines—she’s an advocate. For her team. For her clients. For the people behind the work. She bridges the gap between the big picture and the small details, catching the things that often fall through the cracks so that others can focus their energy where it matters most. Energized by fast-paced environments and purpose-driven missions, Sara thrives on building systems, processes, and relationships that are both effective and deeply human.
Sara is grounded in a coaching mindset and thrives on collaboration. She’s most energized by connection—finding meaning in the relationships she builds, the spaces she helps hold, and the positive impact she makes on others’ lives and calendars. She loves being in someone’s corner, helping to identify needs, remove barriers, and shape better outcomes for all involved. Her consultants know her as someone who leads with empathy, structure, and clarity, bringing thoughtful intention to every detail of a project.
