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As Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships, Sarah Jane Kirkland is focused on developing partnership opportunities with corporate and nonprofit executives, including work-based learning, corporate grants for research and development, and workforce development initiatives. Sarah Jane represents ¹ÏÉñÍø on a variety of economic development, workforce, professional association and other boards, while also serving as the University’s point of contact to help attract new businesses in locating to Hampton Roads, as well as retaining current companies in the region. In her most recent role as President and CEO of CIVIC Leadership Institute, Sarah Jane developed critical partnerships across seemingly disparate facets of Hampton Roads, encouraging executive influencers to coalesce around important regional initiatives. Prior to joining CIVIC, Sarah Jane gained critical insight into the tourism industry working with the world’s largest cruise line. Her focus on the importance of a strong arts/culture community derives from her background with the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, England, as well as with other professional dance academies. Sarah Jane is actively engaged in large scale regional initiatives and proudly served as a representative to help develop the 757 Recovery and Resilience Action Framework. She currently serves as an executive board member for RVA757 Connects, as a member of the GO Virginia Region 5 Council, corporate board member for the YMCA South Hampton Roads, a member of the M9T5 steering committee, and a member of the Hampton Roads Regional Transit Advisory Panel (HRTAP). Sarah Jane’s previous board service includes the Governor’s School for the Arts. In 2021, Sarah Jane was recognized by Inside Business with a Women in Business Award, in 2022, she was included in the Inside Business Power Players list and in 2023 she was included in the Virginia Business 100 people to meet.