Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Sanchez
Welcome to RELI Group’s Leadership Spotlight series! In this series, we’ll delve into the background, passions and philosophies of some of Team RELI’s best and brightest minds. Each post includes the same five questions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the folks that make RELI great.
In today’s Leadership Spotlight, meet Sarah Sanchez, Vice President of Digital Services. With over 25 years of experience across federal, state and local agencies, Sarah brings a deep understanding of IT strategy, digital transformation and health information management. A former Air Force officer and longtime leader in government technology, she now heads RELI’s Digital Services Center of Excellence, helping agencies implement solutions that drive mission success.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that influenced your path in public sector consulting?
Two moments stand out. The first came early in my transition from direct health care management to the government contracting space. I engaged with a military medical facility in North Dakota to assist them in increasing revenue by improving their third-party medical coding and billing processes. We delivered a solution that met their needs without overcomplicating or overselling, and I saw how with the right mission understanding, the right service can make a measurable impact. That experience instilled the belief that government contractors can assist in solving real challenges by delivering purpose-driven solutions.
The second moment came later in my career during a period of sudden organizational change. I stepped in to support both my own responsibilities and those of a senior leader, ensuring continuity for the team and our clients. There was no roadmap and no formal role change at the time, but I focused on what needed to be done. That experience taught me that sometimes the best growth opportunities come from seeing a need and filling it, and being willing to step up, adapt quickly and guide a team through uncertainty.
What drives your passion for working in government contracting?
It’s simple: being a good steward of government funds and ensuring that we’re delivering solutions that matter. I believe in aligning services with actual needs, not just selling something for the sake of a win. I’ve never been comfortable offering solutions that don’t serve a purpose. In fact, I’ve told clients outright when our services weren’t the right fit. I care about outcomes—if we can’t show how we’re making the mission better or improving lives, then we’re not offering real value.
How do you approach leadership and team building?
I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with strong, talented people is key, and that starts with hiring well. I once made a hiring decision based on my own bias rather than the best for the organization and I learned from it. Now I focus on building collaborative teams where everyone contributes and is engaged. I also believe in flexing my own communication style to meet people where they are, being present and understanding each person’s goals so I can help them achieve them. I like to connect face-to-face whenever possible and create accountability through understanding, not authority.
What innovations or trends in the public sector excite you the most?
I’m especially drawn to two trends. First is the focus on technology as a tool for outcomes rather than a showcase of features. Repeatability and mission alignment matter more than bells and whistles. RELI is increasingly framing our digital solutions in these terms and I think it’s the right direction.
The second is the rise of artificial intelligence. AI presents significant potential to improve how we deliver services, but it also calls for thoughtful implementation. I’m particularly interested in how we can apply it in ways that enhance, not replace, human connection and decision-making. As digital services continue to evolve, I’m focused on identifying use cases where AI adds real value while maintaining the integrity of the human experience.
Can you discuss a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of?
Throughout my career, I’ve supported a wide range of federal agencies by leading horizontal services that span across the company. That work gave me the chance to learn from agencies like the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Transportation, and Health and Human Services among many others. Through engaging with leaders at these agencies, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the great work that occurs across the federal government. I’ve seen the dedication and value delivered by so many public servants and being part of that space is something I’m proud of.
