Sarah Byrd

Sarah Byrd brings a distinctive combination of educational experience, entrepreneurial leadership, and business expertise to AIA’s Board of Directors.

A former Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year, Sarah earned her degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University and began her teaching career in Las Vegas before teaching elementary school in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Her years in the classroom gave her a firsthand understanding of the dedication, creativity, and supportive learning environments that help children thrive.

After stepping away from teaching to raise her three children, Sarah returned to the workforce, helping build the customer service and sales operations of a startup company. Working across product development, marketing, and customer relations, she helped establish the systems and processes needed to support a growing business.

Sarah later transitioned into commercial real estate, where she now advises business owners and investors throughout metro Atlanta. Her work spans commercial leasing, land development, office, retail, and investment properties, drawing on her strengths in organization, relationship-building, and thoughtful problem-solving.

As Board Secretary, Sarah combines her experience as an educator with a practical understanding of business operations and strategic planning. She brings a valuable perspective to the Board’s work supporting AIA’s educational mission and long-term success.

Sarah lives in metro Atlanta with her husband, Chris, a trial attorney, and their three children, two in college at the University of Georgia and Ole Miss and one in high school.