 | Thirteen Years of Building Talent, Strengthening Connections, and Shaping the Region’s Future This year, we proudly celebrate Sara Swisher, Vice President of Talent & Workforce, on her 13-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Since joining the Chamber in 2013, Sara has helped shape how the organization supports one of the most critical issues facing businesses today — talent. Through her leadership, the Chamber has expanded its role from program provider to strategic partner, aligning employers, educators, and community leaders around long-term workforce solutions. |
A Passion for Community and Connection
Sara’s journey with the Chamber began with a passion for community and a unique opportunity.
“I have always been very community minded and enjoyed event planning,” she says. “When I learned about the EPIC Toledo Director position, I knew it was something I would enjoy — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
That opportunity became the foundation for a career dedicated to connecting people and strengthening the Toledo region’s talent pipeline.
Sara’s journey with the Chamber began with a passion for community and a unique opportunity.
“I have always been very community minded and enjoyed event planning,” she says. “When I learned about the EPIC Toledo Director position, I knew it was something I would enjoy — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
That opportunity became the foundation for a career dedicated to connecting people and strengthening the Toledo region’s talent pipeline.
From Programming to Strategy
Over the past 13 years, Sara has witnessed — and helped lead — a significant evolution in how the Chamber approaches workforce development. This shift reflects a broader understanding: talent is not just a workforce issue — it’s a business imperative and a driver of regional competitiveness.
Over the past 13 years, Sara has witnessed — and helped lead — a significant evolution in how the Chamber approaches workforce development. This shift reflects a broader understanding: talent is not just a workforce issue — it’s a business imperative and a driver of regional competitiveness.
“Over time, the Chamber has grown from primarily convening and programming to taking a more strategic, collaborative role,” she explains. “We’re aligning employers, education, and community partners around long-term talent pipelines and leading regional workforce solutions.”
Building Pathways Through Partnership
Among her many accomplishments, Sara is especially proud of the partnerships that create meaningful connections across the region.
“I’m most proud of helping build EPIC Toledo and our broader talent partnerships that connect employers, educators, and the community,” she says.
These efforts have helped create clearer pathways that attract, develop, and retain talent — ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need while making the Toledo region a place where people want to live and build their careers."
Among her many accomplishments, Sara is especially proud of the partnerships that create meaningful connections across the region.
“I’m most proud of helping build EPIC Toledo and our broader talent partnerships that connect employers, educators, and the community,” she says.
These efforts have helped create clearer pathways that attract, develop, and retain talent — ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need while making the Toledo region a place where people want to live and build their careers."
Why Talent Matters
For Sara, the importance of talent development is clear.
“Employers are competing in a tight labor market and need the right skills in place to stay competitive, grow, and adapt to change,” she says. “Investing in people helps businesses build stronger pipelines, retain talent, and prepare for future workforce needs.”
Her work directly supports that mission — helping businesses not only find talent, but develop it for the long term.
For Sara, the importance of talent development is clear.
“Employers are competing in a tight labor market and need the right skills in place to stay competitive, grow, and adapt to change,” she says. “Investing in people helps businesses build stronger pipelines, retain talent, and prepare for future workforce needs.”
Her work directly supports that mission — helping businesses not only find talent, but develop it for the long term.
The Power of Collaboration
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned during her time at the Chamber, Sara’s answer is simple — and powerful:
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned during her time at the Chamber, Sara’s answer is simple — and powerful:
“Collaboration helps the region win consistently.”
That belief is reflected in every aspect of her work — bringing together partners, aligning efforts, and ensuring that progress happens collectively.
A Dynamic and Impactful Environment
What makes working at the Chamber unique?
“Every day is different,” Sara says. “We’re always learning about new things in our community and connecting with new businesses and resources.”
That dynamic environment allows her team to respond to a wide range of challenges — and deliver solutions that support businesses, talent, and the broader community.
What makes working at the Chamber unique?
“Every day is different,” Sara says. “We’re always learning about new things in our community and connecting with new businesses and resources.”
That dynamic environment allows her team to respond to a wide range of challenges — and deliver solutions that support businesses, talent, and the broader community.
Looking Ahead
Sara is optimistic about what’s next for the Toledo region.
“I’m excited by the region’s growing momentum — strong collaboration, renewed investment, and a shared focus on talent and innovation.”
It’s a future shaped by partnership, opportunity, and continued growth.
Sara is optimistic about what’s next for the Toledo region.
“I’m excited by the region’s growing momentum — strong collaboration, renewed investment, and a shared focus on talent and innovation.”
It’s a future shaped by partnership, opportunity, and continued growth.
Lightning Round
Favorite Toledo spots: Kengo & Souk
Favorite local restaurant or coffee shop: Brewhouse
One word to describe the Chamber: Adaptable
Weekend plans usually include: Walking to a favorite breakfast or lunch spot and enjoying live music around the region
Favorite Toledo spots: Kengo & Souk
Favorite local restaurant or coffee shop: Brewhouse
One word to describe the Chamber: Adaptable
Weekend plans usually include: Walking to a favorite breakfast or lunch spot and enjoying live music around the region
Proud to Serve
“Serving the Toledo region through my work at the Chamber means helping strengthen our community by connecting people, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities that make the region a great place to live, work, and grow.”
For 13 years, Sara Swisher has brought that mission to life — helping the Chamber connect partners, align strategies, and build a stronger talent pipeline for the future.
Please join us in congratulating Sara on her Chamber-versary and thanking her for the leadership and impact she continues to bring to the Toledo region.
Please join us in congratulating Sara on her Chamber-versary and thanking her for the leadership and impact she continues to bring to the Toledo region.
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