Sarah Thompson

For more than two decades, Sarah has worked at the intersection of community and economic development, helping rural places build the capacity, leadership, and infrastructure needed to thrive. Before joining Dogwood, she served as Executive Director of the Southwestern NC Planning and Economic Development Commission, supporting local governments and regional partners in strengthening economies and communities across seven mountain counties. She has also served as Chair of the NC Rural Economic Development Center Board, and founding Chair of Thread Capital, a Community Development Financial Institution that expands access to capital to underserved communities. Locally, Sarah served as a Town of Sylva Commissioner and Chair of the Jackson County Planning Board, where she helped guide community planning and investment in the rural community she has long served and called home.

Rooted in Western North Carolina and connected to statewide and national networks, Sarah brings a collaborative, systems-oriented approach to her work – one that recognizes that economic opportunity, digital inclusion, and community well-being are deeply interwoven. Her leadership emphasizes local voice and civic engagement,  reflecting her belief that lasting change begins when people who love their place work together toward a common good.

Sarah holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Miami University.