At the helm of Boys Town New England, Sarah Galvan’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to helping children and families. Her story is one of compassion, resilience, and a deep-seated passion for making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Sarah’s commitment to working with children began early in life. Sarah's lived experience in youth with divorced parents profoundly impacted and shaped her desire to support children in the foster care system. This led her to study psychology at the University of Colorado where a mentor recognized her passion and suggested Boys Town as the ideal professional landing spot for her. This idea lingered in her mind until a chance opportunity arose after college, leading her to apply for a position at Boys Town. Eighteen years later, she maintains her fierce dedication to the mission of the organization, driven by making a significant impact in the lives of countless children and families.
As the Executive Director of Boys Town New England, Sarah shoulders numerous responsibilities that are vital to the organization’s success. These include leadership development, board member engagement, fundraising, fiscal management, public relations, community engagement, organizational development, strategic planning, compliance, program operations, and advocacy. Navigating the complexities of the non-profit sector, from state regulations to donor relations, presents daily challenges that Sarah meets with determination and strategic insight.
Throughout her tenure with Boys Town, Sarah has spearheaded several key initiatives and accomplishments. While serving as Executive Director in Washington, D.C., she led a city-wide feasibility study to assess the need for behavioral health services, resulting in the establishment of a Behavioral Health Clinic. In New England, she successfully guided her team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued service to children and families across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Under her leadership, Boys Town's Educational and Community-based services expanded to serve all schools in Pawtucket. Additionally, she has built strong relationships with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), enhancing financial support and service efficacy. Notably, Boys Town's foster care services in Massachusetts have doubled in size over the past two years and Boys Town New England impacted over 20,000 children in New England in 2023 alone.
Outside of her professional commitments, Sarah enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband and three daughters. They embrace the beauty of New England’s changing seasons, finding joy in each one. Sarah also stays active by riding her Peloton bike and indulging in audiobooks. Her family loves to travel and explore different cultures, recently visiting Mexico and planning a European adventure for the coming summer.
Sarah Galvan’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families. Her leadership at Boys Town New England continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on the community.
Interested in learning more about Sarah Galvan's vision for Boys Town New England? Follow her on LinkedIn for updates. Explore rewarding career opportunities at Boys Town New England on our careers page.