Sarah Wilcox
From managing multi-million dollar new construction housing projects to organizing regional public safety initiatives, Sarah's career reflects a consistent ability to navigate complexity and deliver tangible results. She has worked across various areas of community development; however, most notably, her work spans two vastly different areas of expertise. As a result, she has developed transferable skills that apply to both fields—and likely others as wel. This includes Strategic Planning, Policy and Procedures, Coaching, Training, Grant Writing, Project Management, Compliance Reporting etc.
In housing development, she has managed substantial funding secured through federal, state, and local sources. Most notably, she oversaw a $15 million supportive housing project delivering 56 units of affordable housing in rural Minnesota, ma feat that required coordinating across developers, property management, county agencies, tribal nations, and service providers. She also provided financial analysis and secured funding for single-family housing development and has consistently helped organizations secure annual awards ranging from $200,000 to $2 million plus in grants and loan dollars for construction.
In the public safety field, she has served as Grant Coordinator and Planner for an Emergency Communications Board since 2018-2024, managing approximately $100,000 annually and orchestrating regional trainings for first responders and regional partners across 14 counties, two tribal nations, and one city. Since 2025 she has served as a Planner for a regional Emergency Management board, creating Cyber, Physical, and Risk Assessments for facilities and critical infrastructure. She also lead a planning committee to create a regional tabletop exercise that included local, city, state, tribal, and international partners.
Known for her ability to convene diverse stakeholders, manage or support complex funding streams, and deliver projects from conception through completion, even if taking over mid-project when circumstances demand it, Sarah combines analytical process with practical problem-solving. She believes that choice equals empowerment, and if you feel anxious that might just be excitement in disguise.
• Bemidji State University - BFA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to two main things: intentional learning and authentic relationships. Early in my career, I made a point to seek out and learn from professionals with 10, 20, or 30+ years of experience, asking questions, watching how they navigated complexity, and understanding what actually works in practice. Beyond that, I've invested in building genuine friendships with colleagues in the field rather than just professional networks. Those relationships have been invaluable, both for problem-solving and for understanding that we're all figuring things out together. I think people sense that authenticity, and it opens doors. I wouldn't be where I am today without those friendships and I'll add a third thing. The ability to pivot, sometimes you need to jump from sinking ships, or find a completely different solution instead of trying to force a fish to be a bird.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I don't know, but I'll say this. Immerse yourself in your field, listen to podcasts, read books, find articles and friends in it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be a sponge. Try to learn from the best in your field whether that's in your organization or outside of it. Look for the big picture transferable skills that can be applied to other projects, other groups, other careers, skills that could move you across industries, and maximize credibility.
Here's a few books to read:
-Likeable Badass by Alison Fragele
-Emotional Intelligence Collection by The Harvard Business Review
-Atomic Habits by James Clear
-Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
-The Consulting Bible by Alan Weiss
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Influence doesn't need to be loud and flashy, it can be a well-prepared presentation, with options, and receipts because your experience is credibility. This approach has helped me navigate fields that traditionally skew towards older and male dominated, which can be intimidating when I'm often the youngest and sometimes the only woman at the table. I see a significant opportunity in bringing new energy and innovation while maintaining respect for what is already working.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family first. Beyond that, I'm drawn to work that creates stability and opportunity in the communities where people actually live. Community development isn't abstract to me it's about making the places we raise our kids better. Everything I do professionally is filtered through that lens.
Locations
Wilcox Consulting Services
Bemidji, MN 56601