WHEELING, W.Va. — Meet Sarah H. Barickman, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley’s new director of philanthropic services. Brand new to the CFOV team, Sarah brings a relationship-centered approach to philanthropy and a passion for helping donors turn generosity into lasting impact across the Ohio Valley.
In her role, Sarah works to deepen relationships with current and prospective donors while helping grow CFOV across the full lifespan of giving, from first-time supporters to legacy donors. She is focused on connecting people with causes they care about and expanding awareness of CFOV’s mission throughout the counties the Foundation serves.
“Right now, I’m loving learning something new and different every day,” Sarah says. “CFOV has such an important role in the community, and it’s exciting to be part of growing that impact.”
Sarah’s career path is anything but traditional — and that’s exactly what makes her such a great fit for philanthropic work. With a degree in interior design, she began her professional life working with several designers and in retail before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Through extensive volunteer work, she discovered a passion for development and community engagement, which led her into nonprofit fundraising and relationship building at a local childcare center. Most recently, Sarah spent 10 years as outreach director and life celebrant for Altmeyer Funeral Homes, where she worked closely with families and organizations during some of life’s most meaningful moments.
Her commitment to community involvement runs deep. Sarah is active with the St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary of St. Clairsville and has previously served on the Valley Hospice Board of Trustees, A Special Wish Foundation Gala Committee, Sandscrest Conference & Retreat Center Board of Trustees, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Vestry, and as a member of the Junior League of Wheeling.
At work, Sarah stays motivated by keeping both her physical and digital spaces organized and using tools that help keep projects moving smoothly. One of the best pieces of advice she lives by is simple but powerful: “You have to take the good with the bad.”
Outside the office, Sarah loves to cook and spend time with family and friends. She enjoys a good road trip, needlepointing when time allows, and visiting her family’s cottage in Canada – a tradition that’s spanned four generations. A fun fact: both her son and daughter attended Marshall University, and Marshall pride runs deep in her family.
If she could travel anywhere in the world, Austria tops her list – inspired by The Sound of Music and a lifelong love of mountains, whether close to home or abroad.
Looking ahead, Sarah’s goals are both professional and personal. Professionally, she hopes to expand public awareness of CFOV and help grow the Foundation’s impact across the counties it serves. Personally, she’s focused on finding a better work-life balance while settling into her new role.
With her warmth, versatility, and passion for people, Sarah Barickman is already a wonderful addition to the CFOV team and an important part of strengthening philanthropy throughout the Ohio Valley.
