Sarah Conley-Ballew | Executive Director

Sarah Conley-Ballew is the founding Executive Director of UpGrade Ohio. Sarah holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University, and she has a Bachelor of Specialized Studies with a concentration in Social and Environmental Ecology from Ohio University (2004).

Sarah believes that her purpose is to serve as a catalyst for community development in Athens County, demonstrating leadership in social and environmental sustainability projects. She has played a pivotal role in the development of the regional local food economy through her work as Athens Farmers Market Manager and as board Vice President of Community Food Initiatives.  Turning her attention to energy sustainability is rooted in a strong interest to develop local solutions to global climate change.

Sarah lives with her husband and three wild children on nine beautiful acres in Athens County.

She can be reached at