Welcome Sarah VanZanten!

Sarah Van Zanten has joined our team as the new Program Manager for two major programs in our Division: the Tideswell Emerging Leaders in Aging (ELIA) Program led by Dr. Anna Chang, and Dr. Brie Williams’ new Aging Research in Criminal justice & Health (ARCH) Network funded by her new NIH R24 award.  With a BA in Public Relations and Advertising from the Chapman University and over 10 years of professional experience, Sarah will join us in our mission of improving the quality of care for older adults.  Most recently, Sarah served as the Director of Programs for Youth and Families at the Peninsula Temple Beth El.  In addition to planning, executing and refining all Temple programs, Sarah also hired, trained and mentored Temple staff and volunteers.  Last but not least, Sarah was also the Director of Communications and Marketing, in charge of creating and publishing the congregational newsletter and brochures, as well as managing and updating institutional website contents.  Prior to that, Sarah worked at Idea Hall as an Account Executive where her responsibilities included: website development, media relations, email marketing, social media, advertising placements, and strategy.  In conjunction with her day-time jobs, Sarah was an Event Manager for the May Fete Community Festival from 2009 to 2017.  She oversaw recruitment, activity coordination, park layout, and solicitation of partnerships with local businesses for this annual event of 750+ attendees (*ahem, Geriatrics Social Committee new member?)  Last but not least, Sarah also worked at the Chapman University for six years.  She started as a Public Relations Intern in the University Advancement department, was then promoted to a Public Relations Coordinator in Strategic Marketing and Communications, and finally served as the Athletic Department Program Manager.  She eventually made her way back to the Bay Area and now has chosen to join our amazing team!  Sarah will be working closely with Dr. Chang and Dr. Williams and their teams, focusing on leadership development for the next generation of leaders in healthcare and building research capacity at the nexus of aging, health, and criminal justice reform.  Sarah will be stationed at Laurel Heights, Suite 282 (right next to Cyrus), and her email address is [email protected] if you need to get a hold of her.  If you see her, please make her feel welcome!