Sarah Lucas - Business Engagement and Economic Development

Sarah Lucas, AICP, has worked in community and economic development in small communities and rural areas in Michigan for over 20 years, leading a variety of cross-sector initiatives and planning efforts that have resulted in long-lasting coalitions, local and state policy change, and enhanced regional capacity for growth and investment. Currently, she is the director of the Michigan Office of Rural Development.

Previously, she served as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Marquette County’s primary economic development organization. Sarah also served as the founding executive director of Housing North; the Community Development Director for Networks Northwest; and as a pandemic economic development planner with the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region. Sarah has worked with several regional and statewide boards in membership and leadership roles, including the Community and Economic Development Association of Michigan, the Economic Development Leaders of Michigan, and the Michigan Association of Planning. 

She holds an undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. 

Sarah has a son in college at Northern Michigan University and loves traveling, reading, and the beautiful lakes, rivers, and woods of Michigan.