We are proud to announce Sarah Gordon, currently our Chief Market and Business Development Officer, as the new President of the Financial Health Network. In her nearly two-decade tenure, she has cultivated deep expertise across the financial health ecosystem and a commitment to advancing financial health through data-driven insights and innovative solutions. We had the opportunity to hear her vision for the organization’s next chapter.
Congratulations on your new role as President of the Financial Health Network. Can you share what excites you the most about leading this next chapter for the organization?
When I joined the Financial Health Network 17 years ago, as many as 20% of Americans didn’t have a bank account. Today, thanks to the work of business, policy, and advocacy leaders from across our movement, that figure has fallen to under 5%. In that time, the conversation has also evolved from a focus on financial inclusion to how we can advance financial health.
Unfortunately, too many people continue to struggle financially: Only 30% of Americans are Financially Healthy, and there are vast disparities in financial health across demographic groups. Addressing this challenge at scale requires a systems-based approach. I’m excited to lead the Financial Health Network in building on our success over the last two decades to grow the financial health movement. Together, we can galvanize a new era of innovation in financial services and workplace practices that will advance financial health for all.
What prompted the Financial Health Network to implement the recent changes to the leadership structure, specifically separating the roles of CEO and President?
In 2024, the Financial Health Network celebrated its 20th anniversary. We’ve begun to achieve the level of impact we once could only dream about. Separating the CEO and President roles at this moment allows us to create more space for both strategic thinking and increased operational excellence. This structure will allow us to be more agile and responsive, while exploring longer-term opportunities. We believe we can drive greater impact across the financial health ecosystem with this leadership update.
You’ve made significant contributions to the success of the Financial Health Network over the past 17 years. How do you see your previous experience complementing your new role as President? How do you think it will aid in driving the organization forward?
I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles across nearly every function in the organization, including leading research and programs; supporting nonprofit and fintech innovators; spearheading client success; overseeing marketing, communications, and events; and catalyzing fundraising and business development. I have a deep understanding and appreciation for how the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts at this organization.
I believe I can leverage my background to help connect more dots internally and externally, ensuring we successfully execute on our strategic priorities.
As you step into your new role, what three key areas – aligned with the strategic plan priorities – present the most immediate opportunities to drive impact in advancing the Financial Health Network’s mission?
First, I see immediate opportunities for us to continue applying what we’ve learned about what works to improve financial health by providing more actionable guidance for providers, employers, and stakeholders across the ecosystem – setting clear standards that define the financial products and practices that contribute to positive consumer outcomes.
Second, I think we need to continue to shine a spotlight on the persistent disparities in financial health and work harder to close the gaps. For example, our Financial Health Pulse research shows that while 37% of white households in America are financially healthy, only 13% of Black households and 16% of Latine households are similarly financially healthy. There are also significant differences by gender and ability.
Third, I see opportunities for us to innovate and explore how we can harness the power of technology – through tools like artificial intelligence – as a force for good in shaping financial health.
A big part of your role as President is cultivating an inclusive workplace culture as we strive to be a great place to work for everyone. How will you approach that? What advice do you have for other leaders?
I’m excited to continue fostering an inclusive workplace culture with our incredible team, and I believe leading by example is key. I plan to actively seek diverse perspectives, ensuring every voice is heard, and I will remain committed to creating safe spaces for open dialogue. I value transparency, fairness, flexibility, and growth for all.
For other leaders, my advice is to be intentional in your hiring and decision-making. These everyday actions also contribute to fostering a sense of belonging. Building an inclusive culture is an ongoing journey, and our leadership team is committed to this work. We’re excited to partner with everyone to create a place where all can thrive and truly belong.
We’re also hiring! If what I’ve shared here aligns with your values and you’re seeking a new opportunity, we’d love for you to apply for one of our open roles and join our team.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the next frontier in financial health? What message would you like to share with financial services leaders, employers, and advocates as they join you in tackling these challenges?
The next frontier in financial health presents both challenges and opportunities, and two key areas that stand out are climate resilience and AI.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s a financial one. More frequent and severe natural disasters are already disrupting lives, livelihoods, and local economies. Over time, these events will force geographical displacement and migration for millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. As we think about financial resilience, we must also think about climate resilience, ensuring that individuals and communities have the financial resources to navigate these disruptions and rebuild their lives.
At the same time, AI presents new possibilities for advancing financial health. It has the potential to provide more personalized financial guidance, helping individuals make informed decisions tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether through AI-powered financial coaching, predictive tools that anticipate financial risks, or more inclusive credit and lending models, we have an opportunity to use AI as a force for good.
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