Sara Blake Jernigan joined the CCD Development Office in November 2022 as the newest Director of Donor Engagement. She brings with her a passion for supporting mission-driven organizations and twelve years of successful advancement, fundraising, and donor engagement experience. In this role, she is excited to build and strengthen relationships with individuals and organizations that match their philanthropy with CCD’s mission priorities.
Before joining Catholic Charities, Sara Blake held development positions at both non-profit organizations and educational institutions as well as served as an independent consultant and grant writer. Most recently she was the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy in Austin, TX.
Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Sara Blake is the proud product of an all-girls Catholic education having attended the Stone Ridge School before earning undergraduate degrees in English/Psychology and an MS from Southern Methodist University. She credits her early and higher education for inspiring a lifelong commitment to service and dedication to Christian values.
Sara Blake lives in Richardson with her husband Adam—a fellow SMU mustang—young daughter Lillian, and energetic yellow lab Milo. When she isn’t busy chasing around a toddler, Sara Blake enjoys a good book, good food, live music, swimming, tennis, and spending time with her family and friends.
She cannot wait to partner with our loyal supporters and dedicated community members in service of CCD’s extraordinary work.
