Sara Ritter, IOM
Sara Ritter, IOM, is a results-driven business development and economic growth executive with over two decades of experience leading cross-sector initiatives and supporting C-level leadership. Currently serving as Business Development Manager at the Ten-Minute Trainer Network, she collaborates with chambers of commerce, associations, and professional networks to enhance membership value, develop impactful programs, and foster sustainable organizational growth. Known for her strategic thinking, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership style, Sara brings measurable outcomes to every project she undertakes.
Prior to her current role, Sara spent more than 21 years as Executive Director and President of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. During her tenure, she led initiatives that attracted multi-billion-dollar investments, including the landmark $4 billion Panasonic project, negotiated land development for over four million square feet of industrial and manufacturing space, and doubled chamber membership revenue. Her work in workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and business retention positioned the region as a national leader in economic development and reinforced its long-term competitiveness.
Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and has been recognized in Ingram’s “50 Kansans You Should Know” for her impact on the state’s economy. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has a longstanding commitment to public service, including her tenure as a Sergeant Firefighter/EMT with the De Soto Volunteer Fire Department and leadership roles in veteran support organizations. Through her expertise, mentorship, and community involvement, Sara continues to empower organizations and communities to achieve sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
• MidAmerica Nazarene University - BA, Public Administration
• Ingram’s 50 Kansans You Should Know 2023
• MidAmerica Nazarene University Top 15% of graduating class honors
• Institute for Organizational Management (IOM)
• Grand Marshal - De Soto Days Festival Parade
• Magna Cum Laude and Member - Phi Theta Kappa
• County Public Policy Council
• Chamber of Commerce Executives
• Economic Research Institute
• DE SOTO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT
• VFW Auxiliary
• Kansas River Committee
• Longstanding volunteer role with local fire department
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a mentor who encourages me to be who I am, who supports me and gives women empowerment to excel in a career that doesn't have a huge representation of females. Building relationships and gaining trust through knowledge and professionalism is critical. Never give up, and always be educated in your field and think outside the box when possible.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have been given is to never give up and to stand tall as a female and demonstrate that my experience and knowledge deserves a seat at the table. We all have self doubt as women, especially in a male-dominated field, but always be true to yourself, be honest, transparent and ethical, and never waiver from that.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to really listen. Listen to your clients, listen to your customers, and really connect with them. Engage with them and really learn about them. I'm very passionate about making connections and doing the right things for the right reasons, and really wanting to give back. This is my way to share my knowledge and passion for helping chambers of commerce and member businesses thrive by brining on-demand video training by experts to all businesses, and have it crafted for them within their chamber so that they can both be successful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I'm seeing is that the smaller chambers just don't have the funding that they need. By encouraging businesses to learn why it's important to be part of their community, the goal is to help those chambers increase revenue in so that they can provide those benefits back to the members. It's really the growing challenges of the chambers - they're often underfunded. It's really important to help businesses understand what a chamber is, and that it's more than just a ribbon cutting. There are a lot of services that they provide which provides value-based benefits for businesses.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm very passionate about making connections and doing the right things for the right reasons, and really wanting to give back. I'm all about community. I know the difficulties that women face in being in certain positions, and I just want them to feel empowered and to let them know that you are worth it and you can do anything you set your mind to. I just want to encourage and, if I can, mentor women that are coming up in leadership roles, that they're valued, and what they bring to the table is so extremely important. At this point in my life, family is first, and I am taking this time to enjoy my family and being an active part of the community.