From farming in Colorado to growing leaders in the community w/ University Area CDC’s Sarah Combs

A nonprofit executive, Sarah has been with the University Area CDC since 2010 and executive director and CEO since 2015. The University Area CDC is a nonprofit public/private partnership supporting residents and neighborhoods in the University area, surrounding University of South Florida's Tampa campus. On this episode, Sarah talks about what she learned about leadership from growing up and working on a farm and how she’s applied it to her current role. Sarah, who recently earned her Ph.D. while working at the University Area CDC, also talks about what she looks for in future leaders and how she’s overcome setbacks and mistakes. And listen for when Sarah chats about her latest gig: working as an assistant professor in the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. 

3 Takeaways:

1. (06:20) Take your kids to work with you
2. (10:15) Great leaders are committed to growth across the board
3. (10:50) Good leaders make tough decisions and are transparent about them

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO, University Area Community Development Corp. Inc

(03:00) How did you get to the University Area CDC?

(04:15) Growing up on a farm

(07:00) What is the University Area CDC and why did you join?

(08:55) Teaching at USF Tampa

(10:15) What are good leadership characteristics?

(11:20) What have you learned as a leader?

(12:20) What setbacks have you learned from?

(14:45) Key mentors

(17:15) Leadership advice

(19:10) University Area CDC in 2025

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