DBT40 Honoree: Sarah Shepard

Title: Program Leader

Sarah Shepard | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

Workplace: Placers

Age: 29

Sarah Shepard first started with temporary staffing agency Placers as a part-time front desk receptionist while pursuing her college degree. But after mentorship by Placers CEO Chris Burkhard, she became part of the recruitment and sales team and never left.

Rising through the ranks, she has recruited candidates, formed relationships with new and existing clients, designed volume programs, and planned strategic growth for the company. Today, Shepard is part of the company’s senior leadership group, and her team is responsible for 90% of the company’s annual revenue.

Responsible for the largest account within the Strategic Accounts division, Shepard oversees 15 sites across the country. She also leads the overall business strategy for volume accounts of 50 people or more.

In the last five years, Shepard has earned designations as a certified contingent workforce professional through Staffing Industry Analysts and a certified temporary staffing and personnel consultant through the National Association of Personnel Services.

In the last five years, Shepard has led a partnership between Placers and the 1 in 7b Foundation as well as the Delaware Food Bank to support those experiencing homelessness and hunger in the Delaware and Maryland communities. She is also an avid supporter of Easterseals, and her Leadership Delaware cohort raised $30,000 in 2023 alone to support those with disabilities and care for the elderly through the Easterseals volleyball tournament and guest bartending events.

When she is not working or taking part in community events, Shepard loves spending time with her husband, Nick, and 1-year-old son, Will.