As the Senior Director of Business Planning and Strategy, Sarah Vakili creates the strategic framework for Skanska USA Building’s business goals to ensure portfolio health and viability. She leads a research and analysis team, making data-driven business recommendations. Known in the industry for her market trends insights, she hosts a quarterly webinar on macroeconomic and construction industry dynamics, helping Skanska employees, clients and partners tackle the complex challenges faced in today’s built environment. Previously, Sarah worked at AECOM in a similar role, as well as in New York’s startup scene as a product marketing manager. Originally from Duluth, Georgia, she is a first-generation American and graduate from the University of Georgia, majoring in Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Organizational Leadership. She received her MBA with an emphasis in real estate and value investing from Columbia Business School. She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband and cat. In her free time, she prides herself on being a New York restaurant connoisseur (she will gladly share her saved Google maps with you), amateur florist, avid Citi-biker and adventurous traveler.