Leading with Compassion: Mental Health Coalition’s Executive Director, Sara McKeown White, Recognized for Outstanding Nonprofit Leadership

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley proudly honors Sara McKeown White, Executive Director of the Mental Health Coalition, as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Dawn Banks Nonprofit Leadership Award. Named after a beloved local advocate, the award celebrates nonprofit leaders who exemplify excellence, collaboration, and lasting community impact. This distinguished award honors Sara’s exceptional work as a local nonprofit leader who demonstrates excellence in nonprofit best practices. 

Now in its ninth year, the Dawn Banks Nonprofit Leadership Award holds immense significance within the community. It represents a commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional leaders who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Teton Valley. To commemorate this well-deserved honor, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley presents a $1,000 grant to the Mental Health Coalition in recognition of this award, underscoring our appreciation of Sara’s invaluable contributions.

Sara has been involved with the Coalition in various roles since 2011—serving as a volunteer, board member, co-chair, contract counselor, and, since 2021, as Executive Director. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Counselor Supervisor with over 10 years of experience in trauma-informed care and clinical work with individuals and families, before joining the leadership team at the Mental Health Coalition. As Executive Director, she continues to pursue her passion for mental health, collaboration, and well-being.

Sara has expanded her staff, strengthened her board, and infused new energy into the Mental Health Coalition’s efforts by hosting innovative, community-focused, and truly inspiring speakers and screenings. She has worked to increase support and tailor training for our rural schools, first responders, emergency personnel, and nonprofits, as well as launching a Community Counseling Fund that offers financial assistance for residents to access therapy. Sara is also an incredible support and resource to Executive Directors. She always makes time, listens with empathy, and offers a grounded perspective. Her leadership models wellness, boundaries, and positive cultural change. 

Sara has also taken a proactive role in fostering cross-agency collaboration by helping organize regular meetings with local social service providers, including the Community Resource Center, Family Safety Network, and the Food Pantry, to enhance coordination and communication. Together, they are working toward a long-term goal of co-locating services in a shared space where community members can access food security, mental health support, and family safety resources under one roof.

Leading with a remarkable combination of collaboration, compassion, and communication, Sara embodies the true spirit of leadership. As an avid contributor in her field, she has served on the Region 7 Behavioral Health Board, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and a regional nonprofit focused on Community Suicide Prevention. She continually seizes opportunities to participate in workshops hosted by the Community Foundation, ensuring the implementation of best practices and cultivating a healthy work environment. In her own words, Sara humbly acknowledged, “I’m incredibly honored to receive the Dawn Banks Award. It means a lot to be recognized by peers I admire so much. Thank you.”

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley applauds Sara’s unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy and collaborative leadership. Her vision and service embody the spirit of Dawn Banks’ legacy, enriching the well-being of the entire Teton Valley community.