Meet and learn more about our new CFO/VP of Finance and Administration!

Last month, Sarah Peters joined the UWECI team as the new CFO/VP of Finance and Administration. Read on to learn about Sarah, where she’s from, and why she’s excited to work for United Way!

Tell us where you’re from, where you grew up, etc.

I grew up on a dairy farm near the town of Waucoma in northeast Iowa with my parents, four brothers and one sister. After high school I did a short stint as a nanny in Boylston, MA. When I moved back to Iowa I relocated to the Cedar Rapids area and have been in the area ever since. Currently I live in Marion with my husband, Jeff and our two daughters, Olivia and Lexie. 

What would you say is your motto or a quote you like to live by?

Don’t be afraid of hard work. Nothing worthwhile comes easily.

What are you most excited for in your new role at United Way?

I am very excited to join the team at United Way of East Central Iowa. I have been working for nonprofits my entire career and truly enjoy being a part of all the good that is happening in this community. Working at UWECI gives me the opportunity to have an impact on a boarder range of services through our community partners and amazing supporters. 

What is something on your bucket list that you haven’t had a chance to complete yet?

I would love to visit Australia and go diving in the Great Barrier Reef. 

What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?

Find a mentor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are people you will meet throughout your career that can guide you and help you maximize your potential both personally and professionally. Make sure to foster those relationships and become a mentor for someone else.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Hiking in the mountains with my family on a beautiful spring day.

Build the perfect sandwich… go!

Turkey, provolone, cucumber and lettuce with guacamole spread on wheat berry bread.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!

We have a cat named Lily who has been with us since she was a kitten and absolutely adores my husband. We also have a guinea pig named Jimmy John Jones who we rescued a couple of years ago.