URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible stewardship of the resources supporting the staff and volunteer network that delivers programs to more than 831,000 participants each year.
In all 102 Illinois counties, Extension translates research-based discoveries into practical programs that strengthen families, communities, and economies.
Doherty brings to the associate director for budget and finance position experience in financial analysis, organizational budgeting, and expense management. A Certified University of Illinois Business Administrator and Illini Certified Research Administrator, she has worked at EnterpriseWorks and the Research Park at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since 2023.
“We look forward to Sarah’s Office of Budget and Finance leadership and deep understanding of university financial processes,” Associate Dean and Director of Extension Matthew Vann said. “I am confident her experience and enthusiasm will help advance Extension’s mission of service to the state and its residents.”
Doherty earned a master’s degree in accountancy from University of Illinois and an honors certificate in accounting from Parkland College. An Ohio native, she received her bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University.
In her first full-time position, Doherty discovered her penchant for balancing accounts and communicating financial information to stakeholders.
“What started as a love of the technical work evolved into something deeper: a passion for analyzing financial data to help organizations make strategic decisions and allocate resources in service of their missions,” Doherty said. “Strong financial stewardship in a mission-driven organization means every dollar tells a story, and that story should be about impact.
“It means making sure resources are allocated thoughtfully and equitably, that the people delivering programs have what they need to do their best work, and that leadership has the financial clarity to say ‘yes’ to the right things with confidence.”
She’s eager to become immersed in Extension.
“My plan is to spend time genuinely listening to county directors, unit staff, program leaders, and regional associate directors,” Doherty said. “I want to understand their priorities, their pressures, and where the finance function can serve them better.”
In her first year at Extension, Doherty plans to focus on building relationships, making the financial picture clear and accessible for leaders, and building the financial tools and reporting Extension needs to thrive.
“My goal is to create a financial infrastructure that can absorb uncertainty, adapt to change, and position Extension to do even more for Illinois communities in the years ahead,” she said.
An avid reader who enjoys hiking, swimming, and supporting the gamut of Illini athletics, Doherty and her husband, Ian, have three daughters.
“Watching them grow and pursue their passions is the best part of my life,” Doherty said. “We are an Illinois family through and through, deeply rooted in this community, and I could not be more grateful to be building my career here, close to the people and the place I love most.”
WRITER: Laura Mabry, Marketing and Communications Copy Editor, Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.