Sara Niemi has over ten years of development and nonprofit administration experience. She has spent her last six years as the Executive Director of PAVSA in Duluth, a social services agency that supports survivors of sexual violence. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services and has certificates in Fundraising & Revenue Development and Human Resources Management. She was a 2023 "20 Under 40" Recipient from the Duluth News Tribune. Sara is active in community volunteering and currently serves on the Minnesota Council of Nonprofit Board of Directors. She is very excited to join the team at the Head of the Lakes United Way and is passionate about building resources for nonprofits in our area and supporting volunteerism. 

 “Our Board of Directors is excited to introduce Sara Niemi as the new President of Head of the Lakes United Way," said Janet Nelson, HLUW Board Chair. "Her passion and experience are a great fit for our vision to improve the health, education, and financial stability of EVERY person in EVERY community we serve."