Sarah Niespodziany

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Sarah Niespodziany currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, a collaboration of economic development partners in the South Bend – Elkhart region, which encompasses 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. The organization serves as a single point of contact for regional communication and seeks to advance economic opportunities for all partner members through collaborative promotion, marketing, and capacity building efforts.

As Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Sarah handles planning, overseeing, and executing marketing and communications efforts for the Regional Partnership and acts as the primary media contact for the organization. Sarah oversees the communications, marketing and brand strategy, events, stakeholder relations and execution of other initiatives. She also rationalizes existing capabilities and tools while assessing opportunities to expand and fill prioritized gaps.

Sarah began her career with the Regional Partnership in 2016 as Administrative Assistant, the second employee of the growing organization. Most recently, she served as Manager of Marketing and Communications, executing internal and external communications, and providing operational support for the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Development Authority before being named Vice President in 2018.

Education and Professional Accreditations

  • Bachelor’s Degree, Business; Minors in Psychology and Leadership Management, Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Ind.

Fun Facts About Sarah

  • Sarah is a foodie. She loves to cook, especially any recipe by Allison Roman.
  • Sarah is competing in her first Olympic Triathlon this August.

Regional Favorites

Restaurant: “My favorite restaurant for a casual dinner or take-out will forever be Barnaby’s! For special occasions, Artisan in Elkhart is always a crowd favorite.”

Outdoor Activity: “Running around the campus of Notre Dame and swimming in Lake Michigan.”

Shop:Inspire Me in downtown South Bend.”

Cultural Activity: “Ever since I was a little girl, my mom has taken me to see shows at the Morris Performing Arts Center, and it is a tradition we continue to this day. Some of my favorite Broadway shows we’ve seen there include Wicked and Beauty and the Beast. Our favorite comedy show was Sebastian Maniscalco. We are looking forward to seeing Anastasia this summer!”

Best Way to Spend a Saturday in the Region: “A Saturday in the South Bend – Elkhart region consists of a morning workout at Beacon Health and Fitness, followed by breakfast at Early Bird and a visit to the South Bend Farmers Market. In the summer, I enjoy spending my afternoon on the beaches of southwest Michigan. In the fall, my Saturdays will be spent at Notre Dame Football games, and in the winter, ice skating at Howard Park.

More information available for reference on Sarah's LinkedIn profile.