Sara Holmes

Sara serves as the Associate Dean of Economic & Workforce Development at Shasta College, where she helps advance the college's mission to serve the region through high quality workforce education and training. She works closely with faculty, staff, industry partners, and community organizations to build programs that respond to local labor market needs, strengthen career pathways for students, and expand opportunities for economic mobility across the service area. Her responsibilities also include guiding grant development and management and supporting Career Services and Apprenticeship Programs, all in service of keeping EWD's workforce initiatives innovative and impactful. 

Sara's deep understanding of educational administration and financial management stems from over two decades of experience at Shasta College, where she has served in various strategic roles. Prior to becoming Associate Dean, she served as Senior Project Coordinator for the Strong Workforce Program within EWD, overseeing a transformative grant program that launched innovative Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and enhanced existing ones to meet emerging industry demands. With comprehensive oversight of EWD's grant budget portfolio, she provided valuable guidance and ensured precise fiscal reporting across multiple programs — experience that continues to shape her approach today. She began her career in Student Services, where she developed a profound appreciation for supporting students facing economic and educational challenges, and her subsequent positions in the Business Office and in Enrollment Services broadened her institutional expertise before she joined EWD in 2018.

Embodying her commitment to continuous learning, Sara earned her Master of Business Administration in 2018. This achievement, combined with her extensive experience in student services and administration, allows her to bring a unique blend of business expertise and student-centered perspective to her role as Associate Dean.