Sarah W. Rose serves as the Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater New Bedford, a role she has held since 2023. She brings a unique blend of strategic insight, community-centered leadership, and a deep personal commitment to strengthening the Greater New Bedford region.
Sarah holds a BA from Wheaton College, an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and an MEd from Simmons University. Her multidisciplinary educational background supports her work guiding United Way’s community impact initiatives with both analytical rigor and a human-centered approach.
An active civic leader, Sarah serves on several regional boards and committees including:
- Bristol Community College New Bedford Advisory Board
- Massachusetts Early Childhood Funder Collaborative Steering Committee
- Fishers Island Utility Company Board of Directors
- Henry L. Ferguson Museum Board of Directors
- Island Health Project Board of Directors
Sarah first fell in love with Greater New Bedford when she and her family moved to the area ten years ago. She admires the city’s enduring resilience - shaped by generations of immigrants whose strength and cultural richness have defined the community. What Sarah loves most about her work at United Way is the opportunity to bring people together, engage residents and partners, and help build a stronger, healthier, and more connected region.
Outside of work, Sarah finds joy in the natural beauty of the SouthCoast. She enjoys biking along the Rail Trail, boating on Buzzards Bay, kayaking on the Slocum River, and swimming in Clark’s Cove. A fun fact about Sarah: she grew up on a small island in Long Island Sound - an experience that shaped her appreciation for tight-knit communities and coastal environments.
Favorite Quote:
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” Margaret J. Wheatley
