Sarah vander Plaats Benbow

About Sarah vander Plaats Benbow

Marketing, Communication, Public Relations, Crisis Communicator, Project Manager. I’ve held each of these titles over the years, but I like to think of my roles more like Inspirational Storyteller Extraordinaire, or Bringer of Calm and Clarity, or The One with Grit and Determination. But regardless of the title, here is a short list of some things you should know about me:1) I thrive during a crisis. It’s the ultimate communication challenge: it’s staying cool under pressure, keeping the team focused on the immediate job at hand, delivering clear and empathic communication, and anticipating the needs of every audience and constituent. 2) While I enjoy a good checklist, I’m also someone who loves a detour or an unanticipated journey. My best days are filled with unexpected projects or tasks because I tend to like a blend of scheduled and unscheduled activities each day.3) When presented with a problem, I embrace the opportunity to dig in and research. I’m always listening to podcasts and reading about human behavior and psychology, and I love making the connections between psychology, communication, and marketing. Knowing your audience—their motivations and fears—helps me knock down barriers for customers.4) My experience in blending marketing and communications is like where data science meets artistic storytelling. We can all appreciate a good graph, but I revel in telling the story that makes the data come to life and be meaningful in decision making.5) I believe kindness and a willingness to see the perspective of others can build a culture of respect, collaboration, and teamwork-all values I hold dear.

Experience

1. Director of Marketing and Public Relations

   Avail Academy

   May 2024 — Present · Edina, MN, US

Education

• Crown College

  Master's degree, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

• Dordt University

  BA, Communications: Journalism

  2000 — 2005