March 29, 2011
Sara Ballard passes away;
Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties mourns death of executive director
The Board of Directors and staff of the Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties are deeply saddened to announce that Sara Ballard, the organization’s executive director, passed away at Providence Saint Peter Hospital in Olympia this morning. Her parents were able to be with her.
On behalf of the entire community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ballard family and all Sara’s friends.
Sara was 36 years old. She was hospitalized over the weekend after suffering a stroke caused by a blood clot in her lung.
“Sara was a passionate and enthusiastic advocate for people from all walks of life. She believed that by working together we can make our communities a better place,” said Board of Directors president Russ Carstensen. “She will be deeply missed.”
Sara grew up in Michigan and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Alma College in Alma. She joined the Volunteer Center as executive director in March of 2008. Before moving to Olympia, she was the senior manager at the Volunteer Center at United Way of Snohomish County in Everett, Washington.
Sara also served as the associate director of the Volunteer Centers of Michigan in Lansing, program manager for the Michigan Health Council, special projects and event coordinator for the Michigan House of Representatives, and donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross. She was a certified Volunteer Administrator, a graduate of the 2005 Michigan Nonprofit Association Emerging Leader course, and a graduate of Leadership Thurston County in 2009. She was president of the Volunteer Centers of Washington, a state association of the sixteen Volunteer Centers serving the residents of Washington State.
A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, March 31. More details will follow.
Those who may wish to express their condolences to the Ballard family are encouraged to send cards and messages to:
Jim and Nancy Ballard
c/o Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties
317 4th Ave E, Suite 340
Olympia, WA 98501
At the request of Sara’s parents, please make any memorial gifts to the Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties.
For all enquiries, contact Emma Margraf, Director of Special Projects, at (360) 741-2622 or emma@volunteer.ws.
Comments