Sarah VandeLaar brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in people operations, talent strategy and organizational development. She is passionate about building people-first workplaces where culture drives lasting impact. A strategist and collaborator at heart, Sarah is known for creating innovative solutions that align people with the mission.

Before joining the Mackinac Center, Sarah held senior leadership roles in human resources and talent development across the AEC industries. She led large-scale recruitment initiatives; designed leadership and workforce development programs; and guided organizations through periods of growth, change, and M&A integration.

Sarah has also partnered across sectors to strengthen workforce pipelines. As Co-Chair of the Denver Metro Construction Sector Partnership, she united educators, employers, and policymakers to expand access to high-wage careers and apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Sarah earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ferris State University and a master’s in higher education administration and organizational leadership from Drexel University. She completed her master’s thesis, The Positive Effects Recognition Programs Have on Student Success, while working as a student affairs specialist for Ferris State University. Sarah is also a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP).

Sarah and her family live in Stanwood, Michigan.