(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
The Montgomery County Commissioners have announced the hiring of Sarah A. Charles as the County’s new Director of External Affairs."It’s more important than ever for the County to cultivate strong relationships with our government and community partners,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "Sarah has a background in government affairs across the state and local levels, and with roots here in Montgomery County, will identify opportunities for us to partner with our key stakeholders across all 62 municipalities.”
Charles has years of experience working for Montgomery County officials in the state Senate, leading efforts with stakeholders and activists on the state’s first anti-human trafficking legislation. She spent a year working for the Borough of Conshohocken handling communications and special projects, which grew her understanding of the immensity of work local governments are responsible for day to day.
Charles most recently worked as director of public engagement for Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General overseeing a statewide team of dedicated public servants. The Public Engagement section exists as the crime prevention arm of the statewide law enforcement agency and more than doubled under her leadership in residents served in all 67 counties.
"I’m delighted to return to Montgomery County and work within the communities where I grew up,” said Charles. "I believe that government is about the improvement of people’s lives. To be able to foster and build strong relationships between the County and key stakeholders is a role I take seriously. I look forward to working with local, state, and federal partners to further our joint mission of serving Montgomery County residents well and to provide a direct link to county leadership.”
After graduating Upper Merion High School, Charles earned a B.A. from Shippensburg University and an M.A. from American University in Washington, D.C. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Shippensburg University’s Alumni Association.
In November 2023, she was also elected to the Lower Providence Board of Supervisors. She is serving a six-year term as township supervisor and acts as board liaison to the Planning Commission.
