Sara Payne Scarbro
Associate Vice President for External Engagement , Marshall University Research Corporation
JAMIE NULL TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Sara Payne Scarbro , associate vice president of external engagement for the Marshall University Research Corporation , believes the path to success is showing up and working hard every single day .
“ While I might not be the expert in the room , I can guarantee you one thing — I won ’ t be outworked . I take intense pride in everything I do ,” she says .
Whether it is in her career , community service or role as a mother to her daughter , Willa , Scarbro ’ s idea of success bloomed years ago as a child growing up in Putnam County , and she credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic .
“ My parents guided me throughout my childhood . While they were supportive , they had high expectations . They were tough and still are ,” she says . “ Not going to college wasn ’ t an option . My parents wanted better for me than what they had growing up and that commitment shined through daily in their parenting .”
As a professional , wife and mother , Scarbro places firm importance on service to her community . She currently serves on the Junior League of Huntington ’ s public relations committee , MyHuntington Committee , American Foundation for the Blind Huntington advisory committee , Charleston Job Corps community relations council and parent teacher organization at her daughter ’ s elementary school .
“ As a mother , one of the most critical jobs I have is to teach my daughter the importance of giving back to our community ,” she says . “ I try to organize monthly service projects for us to show her everyone can do something . Some past projects have included : fixing 75 packed lunches for the Harmony House ’ s homeless outreach , taking food supplies to a local church or food pantry , fixing a cooler of water for the neighborhood pool on a hot day and donating school supplies to her elementary school and children ’ s toys and supplies for the Huntington City Mission .”
A proud alumna , Scarbro joined the Marshall University Research Corporation in 2017 .
“ I have a rather large portfolio , which keeps me hopping . I am never bored ,” she says . “ I love that a big part of my job is to make new connections and develop and strengthen partnerships on a local , regional and statewide level . Every day is different , and I love helping my university and state grow .”
Before joining Marshall , Scarbro served on the communications team for the Office of the Governor from 2000- 2010 and senior advisor and deputy state director for Senator Joe Manchin from 2010-2017 . The most challenging moment of her career came during the Upper Big Branch mine disaster while serving as the press secretary for then- Governor Manchin as part of the state response team .
“ This experience taught me to keep things in perspective and do my job no matter how difficult the circumstances ,” she recalls . “ You must try to truly understand others ’ situations , and it is important to have a team around you that is committed to serving . Our governor and response team knew those families came first , and we needed to keep them safe and updated regularly , even if there weren ’ t any new details to report . Over the course of days , we ate with them , wept with them and prayed with them . It was an unforgettable experience full of sorrow that forever changed me . I love much deeper . I listen better . I laugh harder , and I always strive to do more .”
Scarbro and her husband , Derek , remain committed to West Virginia and hope to continue efforts to develop their community , the region and the state .
“ My husband and I are bonded not only by our love for each other and our daughter but also by our love for the Mountain State ,” she says . “ We truly believe West Virginia ’ s best days are ahead of us .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
SPORT TEAM : The Thundering Herd
CAR : 1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible , the car I drove in high school
PET : Lizzy Cat
CARTOON CHARACTER : Moana
Scarbro on location at Stephen J . Kopp Hall , which houses the Marshall University School of Pharmacy .
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