Sussex Academy has strengthened its leadership team with the addition of Sara M. Bluhm to its board of directors.

Bluhm said Sussex Academy’s emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, community and preparing students to explore, experience and excel really resonated with her.

“After spending nearly 20 years in Sussex County, my family recently moved back after five years in Kent County, and I was looking for a meaningful way to become even more involved in the community we call home,” Bluhm said.

Bluhm said her work as executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust has further strengthened her relationships throughout the county and her commitment to its future.

“I was especially interested in joining the board at a time when the school is looking to strengthen its connections throughout the greater Sussex County community,” Bluhm said.

Bluhm said she sees tremendous opportunities to strengthen Sussex Academy’s relationships with businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations and other community partners that can support students while also showcasing the important role Sussex Academy plays.

Additionally, she said her experience as a member of the Leadership Delaware Class of 2023 had a significant influence on her interest in Sussex Academy.

“During that program, we took a deep dive into Delaware’s education system, including the important role charter schools play in providing families with high-quality educational choices,” Bluhm said. “I came away with an even greater appreciation for strong, innovative public schools and the impact they can have on students and communities.”

Bluhm’s professional experience translates well to her new role with Sussex Academy. In addition to leading Sussex County Land Trust’s countywide conservation, fundraising, community engagement and strategic initiatives, she serves as executive director of the Delaware Diabetes Coalition, working with partners across the state to advance education, prevention and community health initiatives.

Earlier in her career, she served as economic development and community engagement administrator for the City of Milford and has held leadership roles in the nonprofit management, marketing, communications, fundraising and community development fields.

“Much of my professional work centers on bringing people and organizations together around a common mission,” Bluhm said. “I hope to bring that experience in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, communications and partnership development to the Sussex Academy Board.”

Bluhm received her master of science in management with a concentration in marketing from Wilmington University and her bachelor’s degree in communications from Immaculata University, with a minor in graphic design.

She and her husband Jake, a high school volleyball coach, are proud parents of a three-year-old daughter and five-year-old Weimaraner. Together, she and Jake founded FSV Performance to support athlete development and provide additional training opportunities for young players.

“I enjoy staying connected to the sport and to the families and athletes who are part of that community,” she said.

Outside of work and community involvement, Bluhm loves craft beer, entertaining and hosting friends and family at home.

“I’m happiest when there’s a house full of people, good food and something fun happening,” she said.

Sussex Academy board members serve voluntary three-year terms. School bylaws call for between nine and 13 board members, and must include a certified teacher at the elementary school, a certified teacher at the secondary school and a parent of a current student.

Board directors have expertise in research-based curriculum and instructional strategies; business management; finance and accounting; personnel management; leadership and governance; diversity issues; at-risk populations and children with disabilities; health and wellness; school operations; and law/legal.