Sarah Scherer

Sarah’s earliest memories include lake life and swimming. Growing up the daughter of a competitive swimming coach, she attended a state swimming meet at 2 days old. Her love of the water started early. Thanks to a high school teacher who taught a marine science class, her love of ocean sciences flourished and lead her to her maritime career. She frequently jokes that loving dolphins and marine life is the “gateway drug” to a maritime career. Her career started in 1989 as a Cadet at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) which is also the Texas Maritime Academy. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences and an Unlimited Tonnage Third Mates License from the US Coast Guard, she enjoyed working in various parts of the Maritime Community. Her commercial sailing endeavors included work on supply boats, tugs, landing crafts, high-speed catamarans, seismic and fisheries research vessels from the South Pacific Ocean to the Bering Sea. Her maritime land adventures include providing scientific support for marine oil spills, working in health and safety for tugs, shipyards, and fishing companies, designing and conducting adult learning experiences and being the Dean/Director of the Seattle Maritime Academy. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development and has designed and executed multiple change management projects. Sarah is now the Maritime and Manufacturing Advocate within the Office of Economic Development for the City of Seattle. She has been on the board and/or the President of the Seattle Propeller Club since 2015. She is passionate about ensuring the next generation of maritime workers includes more people of color and women who are competent, confident and safe.

Despite being a Native Texan, Sarah has lived all over the world and believes the Pacific Northwest is truly “Home.” In her personal time, she enjoys singing, paddle boarding, photography, yoga, camping, rich dark roasted coffee, buying locally from small markets, gardening and playing with her dogs Cooper and Bigote (mustache in Spanish).