Sara Dunnigan

Sara is the senior vice president of Existing Business Services/Talent Development. She manages and supports the GRP business retention and expansion program, Business First Greater Richmond, which supports the success and growth of businesses in the region. Business First has more than 100 team members that interact with business owners to respond to various challenges and opportunities. 

The Partnership's Talent Development and Promotion program is also managed by Sara, which includes the RichmondJobNet website and Twitter account: @richmondjobnet. 

“Seeing a business and people achieve their goals and having been a part of that process (is gratifying). Understanding the opportunities that it creates for region is very rewarding,” she said. Sara thinks “big picture” and challenges herself to be innovative and find creative ways for impactful solutions. “Our mission is important. The Partnership is in a position to make a big impact.”

Sara began working for the Partnership when her husband’s company relocated their family from Dayton, Ohio, in the summer of 2006. Prior to her move, Sara was the Development Director for the Montgomery County Transportation and Improvement District in Ohio. Working with communities to collaborate on issues of regional importance was among the valuable experience she gained while working there.

Sara graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and received her B.A. in business. She was also named Top 40 Under 40 by Dayton Business Journal.

After her move, Sara quickly learned to love the choices the Greater Richmond region offers, such as the variety of recreational opportunities, living environments, career opportunities, but in particular, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, which is among her favorite attractions to visit. She resides in Chesterfield County with her husband, two children and their new dog, Jack.

There are several interesting facts about Sara, including that she is Cancer survivor, she was born in Iowa, this is her third time living in Virginia, she enjoys singing, is an avid reader, is passionate about learning, and is a self-proclaimed social media addict. She also loves finding inspirational, funny and unusual quotes and posting them on the office refrigerator.