Sarah Marshall
34 | Vice President of Consumer Lending, Vermont Federal Credit Union
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight you are most proud of.
That my work always has been centered on helping people.
Community involvement.
I love giving back to communities in many ways. Each year, I focus on at least two different causes. These include Vermont Diaper Bank, Women Go Red, National Guard, Special Olympics, Spectrum, South Burlington Food Bank, Age Well, Lake Champlain Chocolate and many more. 
I feel truly privileged to part of so many amazing organizations and their special missions.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont.
I thought Vermont would be a short chapter of my life, but it is quickly becoming one of the longest ones. I grew up in beautiful Bavaria, Germany, and Vermont reminds me so much of it. I truly fell in love with Vermont during the pandemic. Seeing how the world handled the unprecedented situation and comparing it to Vermont’s response made it clear to me that Vermont is the place I want to make memories. I also have a professional sweet tooth and can’t live without maple syrup anymore.
Most inspiring mentors.
I have been blessed with many strong and inspiring mentors throughout my career: Katrin Sperrer, when I started my banking journey in Germany; Leslie Holman, when I took a deep dive into the legal world; Barb McHenry, when I learned so much about the mortgage world; and Tim Daniska, when I learned that I prefer the quick and changing world of consumer loans more.
Best career advice you have received.
Doors will open, but you have to be looking forward to see them.
Something fun about yourself that few people know.
I sold Pope Benedict XVI’s personal fence on Ebay for charity. Pope Benedict didn’t live far from me in my native Germany. When he was selected as pope, I knew lots of visitors would come to his personal property and we would need a solid fence to control the crowds. He agreed quickly to this project and blessed the fence. We then cut the fence into multiple pieces and received an official certificate from him. Long story short, local companies donated a new fence. It was a fun project, and it inspired me to just go for it when you see a need. A simple metal fence turned into a large donation to a local charity.
Favorite Vermont escape.
Shelburne Museum. I love seeing the changing exhibitions, especially when they are about photography. But there is nothing better than simply walking and taking in the beauty of history.
Favorite social media.
Instagram, because it focuses on visual content. I enjoy seeing friends and family make memories and sharing it on the platform.
Favorite smell.
Chance by Chanel. The delicate and unexpected floral-fruity fragrance creates a whirlwind of happiness for me daily. My go-to for years now.
Cause you would support if you had unlimited access to funds.
Spectrum Youth and Family Services in Vermont. I think there needs to be hope for every single young person, no matter how they started their life. We do better when we know better, and everyone’s start to life looks different. But we need to give people the opportunity to change.
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years.
Continuing to spread the importance of credit unions; making a positive impact on our community; learning and growing as a professional in a job that is in a fast-paced environment but also is equally rewarding; and paying it forward as a leader or community volunteer.
