Sara Patenaude

Dr. Sara Patenaude (she/her) is the Director of Policy Solutions for the Southeast. In her role, she leads Policy Solutions engagements in the region, conducting rigorous research and building analytic tools that help stakeholders implement effective interventions to achieve equitable outcomes.

Prior to joining Reinvestment Fund, Sara worked as a nonprofit housing developer, directly contributing to the creation and preservation of over 1,000 units of affordable housing across the southeast, representing $221 million of affordable housing investment. Her previous experience also includes creating comprehensive city and county housing strategies and providing consultative input into affordable housing needs for communities across the southeast.

She has a PhD in Urban History and a Certificate in Planning and Economic Development from Georgia State University, where she studied affordable housing policy. Sara volunteers her time as Co-Chair of the HouseATL Rental Housing Preservation Working Group, Vice President of Communication for the Atlanta Women’s Affordable Housing Network, and Clerk of the Board of Trustees for the Friends School of Atlanta. She also serves as an advisor for community groups advocating for affordable housing and supporting our unhoused neighbors.