Sara Marten provides leadership and support to a team of local Extension staff and volunteers in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties. In her role as county director, she supervises staff, guides program planning and implementation, and builds capacity through strong community partnerships and fiscal management, bringing Extension programs to the audiences and communities that need it most.

Prior to her current role, Sara served Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties for five years as a 4-H Youth Development Educator, bringing issue-focused and research-based programming to youth of all ages. She also spent time as a 4-H Youth Development Educator in southern Illinois, serving Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson counties for two years, and with Purdue Extension, serving Decatur County in southeastern Indiana for two years.

Sara is a proud alumna of the University of Illinois, receiving both her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Master of Science in Agricultural Education through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. She is a Real Colors® Certified Facilitator through the National Curriculum and Training Institute (NCTI).

Sara is currently a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) and the Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education. She earned her Achievement in Service award from both organizations in 2020 and her Distinguished Service award in 2024.

A native of Montgomery County, Sara is also a proud 4-H alumna and was a 10-year member of the Raymond Buckeyes 4-H Club. A highlight of her time as a member includes capping off her 4-H career by serving on the Illinois State Youth Leadership Team. Sara strives to provide and support similar experiences that allow youth to gain life skills that will propel them to success in the future.