Minneapolis, MN [December 5, 2024]—Mortenson Family Foundation is pleased to
announce that Sara Boedecker-Johnston has joined the Foundation as Organizational Development Director.
Sara brings over 20 years of experience in education with a focus on strategic leadership, change management, collaboration, and systems design. Most recently, Sara served as Regional Chief of Staff at Educators for Excellence. She led team meetings, annual planning, project management, and DEI initiatives for the organization’s Minnesota and Chicago teams. In this role, she enjoyed the challenge of working across two states, and building her knowledge of advocacy and community organizing.
Originally from Michigan, Sara grew up in a family that enjoyed cooking, laughing, and telling stories together. Sara inherited a love of picture books from her mom, and editing with a red pen from her dad. Sara began her career in 2004 teaching at an independent elementary school in Chicago. After three years in the classroom, she transitioned into school leadership, becoming the principal.
In 2014, Sara and her partner Kelley returned to his home state of Minnesota. Sara then joined Hiawatha Academies, where she supported schools across several academic and operational workstreams, as well as the senior leadership team and Board in organizational effectiveness.
Sara holds a Master in Education and Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from Valparaiso University. Sara, Kelley, and their daughter Avis reside in Minnesota’s Iron Range. Their farm, Lillehorn Sheep & Wool, is home to Icelandic and Romeldale sheep, Kunekune pigs and Blue Slate turkeys. Outside of work, Sara is getting better at canning, rosemaling, spinning wool, and slowing down.
“As a former grant partner, I have seen the Foundation’s powerful impact on communities firsthand,” Sara says. “I look forward to collaborating with the team, grant committees, and the Board to ensure this critical work continues.”
“We are so excited to have Sara on the team,” says executive director Ambar Hanson. “Her background and experience will help us continue to refine, align, develop, and implement the strategic priorities that advance the Foundation’s mission and outcomes.”
For more information about the Foundation’s staff and community, visit https://www.mortensonfamily.org/.
