Sarah Krahenbuhl

Sarah Krahenbuhl is the longest tenured philanthropy executive among local sports franchises. Her passion for her home state and the positive impact of the Phoenix Suns’ brand drives her dedication to giving back to the community. Over the course of her career, she has helped contribute more than $35 million to various Arizona communities.

Krahenbuhl’s journey began as an intern with the Phoenix Coyotes National Hockey League franchise, where she quickly proved her capabilities and was hired full-time as the Fan Development Coordinator. After 10 successful years with the Coyotes, she joined the Phoenix Suns in 2012. Initially, Krahenbuhl focused on creating Suns Charities 88, a professional networking program that raised funds for underserved communities. This program has since raised more than $2 million and provided networking, philanthropy and leadership development opportunities for hundreds of prominent business leaders.

In 2015, Krahenbuhl's role expanded and she was promoted to executive director, overseeing all charitable giving on behalf of the Suns organization. Annually, she grants more than $1.5 million to Arizona nonprofits, making a significant impact on the community. In 2018, she was named vice president of social responsibility, taking charge of all community efforts, player programs, employee volunteerism, outreach and impact.

Krahenbuhl's commitment to changing lives through sports was solidified when she witnessed the profound effect of fulfilling a Make-a-Wish request for a child named Rachel, who tragically died from leukemia. This experience deepened Krahenbuhl's understanding of the essence of sports, the power to bring people together and the importance of making a lasting impact beyond winning games, her organization said.

Krahenbuhl strives to ensure all Suns employees understand the significance of their off-court endeavors. She emphasizes intimate experiences for employees, such as accompanying unwell children to the NBA Draft, joining kids on shopping sprees with players or delivering grant checks. She believes that being the person behind the curtain, positively influencing lives and creating memorable moments is the true essence of their business.

“Leaders who possess empathy have the ability to comprehend the needs and emotions of their team,” Krahenbuhl said. “By showing that they care about their team members on a personal level, empathetic leaders can create a positive work environment where people feel valued and supported. Empathetic leaders are better able to motivate and inspire their team, as they understand what drives them. By connecting with people on an emotional level, empathetic leaders can create a sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond just the tasks at hand.”

Krahenbuhl was the Board Chairwoman for Valley Leadership for two consecutive terms. She has received several awards, including the Woman of Distinction Award from Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Forty Under 40 recognition, Most Admired Leader from the Phoenix Business Journal, and The Spirit of the Child award from the Association for Support Childcare.