Sara Korte-Popp
Westfield
Summary
Dynamic and collaborative leader with 15+ years of experience in operations management, staff development, and organizational growth. Proven ability to lead high-performance teams, implement strategic initiatives, and drive measurable improvements in efficiency, engagement, and community impact.
Experienced with overseeing site operations and team management. Utilizes strategic planning to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Track record of fostering collaborative environment to drive performance and achieve objectives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Site Director / Building Manager
Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, Inc.
Springfield, MA
06.2017 - Current
- Direct daily operations for a multi-service site, managing 10+ staff and ensuring compliance with standards.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives, reducing disruptions by 30%.
- Implemented performance systems improving productivity and reducing turnover by 15%.
- Partnered with HR to apply ADA, FMLA, and PFML policies equitably.
- Built partnerships with community organizations, expanding program reach.
- Designed professional development programs, increasing participation by 40%.
- Led branding initiatives, strengthening organizational identity.
- Enhanced engagement through recognition programs, boosting satisfaction scores by 25%.
Director
First Congregational Church of Westfield
Westfield, MA
08.2014 - 10.2015
- Managed and trained volunteers and staff, enhancing program delivery.
- Oversaw budgeting and reporting, maintaining financial accountability.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align church programs with community needs.
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to increase congregation engagement.
Coordinator Assistant, Violence & Injury Prevention Program
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Hartford, CT
07.2004 - 06.2006
- Supervised volunteers and guest speakers for program delivery.
- Organized community safety events reaching 500+ participants.
- Delivered educational sessions to parents and youth.
- Analyzed program data to implement improvements.
Education
MS - Human Service / Organizational Leadership
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05-2022
BS - Elementary Education and Liberal Studies
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA05-1997
AS - Early Education
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke05-1994
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Strategic Planning & Change Management
- Performance Management & HR Compliance
- Community Engagement & Partnership Building
- Training & Professional Development
- Operations & Budget Oversight
- Branding & Communication Strategy
- Operational Excellence: Directed daily operations for a multi-service site, managing 10 staff and reducing turnover by 15%
- Change Management: Spearheaded transitions, cutting disruptions by 30% and ensuring smooth adoption of new processes
- Community Engagement: Built partnerships with local organizations, expanding program reach and visibility
- Professional Development: Designed training programs that increased staff participation by 40% and satisfaction scores by 25%
- Strategic Branding: Led branding initiatives to unify organizational identity and strengthen recognition
Websites
Affiliations
- Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute – 2022 Completed intensive leadership training focused on strategic planning, organizational growth, and community engagement.
- Willful Change Leadership Development Program – May 2025–Present Focuses on providing leaders with the skills, confidence, and tools to create thriving, inclusive, and future-ready organizations.
Certification
- Director I and II License - MA EEC, Jan 2022
- CPR / First Aid - Expires May 2026
- Educator License - MA DESE, Jan 1997
- Healing Racism - Pioneer Valley Institute, Jan 2024
- Playmaker Certification - Playmaker University, Nov 2024
Timeline
Site Director / Building Manager
Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, Inc.
06.2017 - Current
Director
First Congregational Church of Westfield
08.2014 - 10.2015
Coordinator Assistant, Violence & Injury Prevention Program
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
07.2004 - 06.2006
MS - Human Service / Organizational Leadership
Springfield College
BS - Elementary Education and Liberal Studies
Westfield State University
AS - Early Education
Holyoke Community College