Sarah Buchanan is a nonprofit executive, community builder, advocate, and artist whose work is rooted in connection, creativity, and belonging. As Executive Vice President of the San Diego Housing Federation, she helps lead organizational strategy, operations, advocacy, education, workforce development, and community engagement in service of housing justice. With more than two decades of experience across the nonprofit and corporate sectors, her work has spanned philanthropy, fundraising, marketing, organizational development, and community-centered initiatives.

Creativity has been central to Sarah’s life from an early age. She grew up immersed in musical theatre, dance, and poetry and continues to create as a writer, singer, musician, and storyteller. She believes deeply in the power of art to help people find their voice, make meaning, build connection, and imagine what is possible.

Sarah serves on the board of Housing California, is Immediate Past Chair of Circulate San Diego, and is an alumni of the 2026 LEAD Influence cohort. Her community leadership has been recognized with the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission’s Distinguished Citizen Award, Community Leader of the Year from the San Diego Equality Business Association, and honors from the San Diego Business Journal. She holds a B.A. in English and Native American Studies from the University of Oklahoma.