Meet the Chamber - Sarah Newbanks

Meet the Faces behind the Chamber.

Our Meet the Chamber series continues with a dedicated leader — Sarah Newbanks, returning for her fifth year on the Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce Board!

Sarah brings a dynamic mix of creativity, community spirit, and business experience to the board. From event planning to entrepreneurship, she’s passionate about building meaningful connections and supporting local businesses.

Read more about Sarah below:

Sarah Newbanks | The Explorer Travel Co. & Missouri S&T

Sarah Newbanks brings a blend of creativity, community spirit, and business insight to the Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce Board. A longtime Chamber member of nearly 14 years and now in her fifth year on the board, Sarah is passionate about supporting local businesses and creating meaningful connections within the community.

Sarah currently serves as the Communications and Event Planning Officer for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Missouri Protoplex at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO. She also owns and operates The Explorer Travel Co., where she provides personalized travel consulting services. Her professional background spans over a decade in the grocery industry at Fricks Market, followed by a transition into entrepreneurship, and then higher education.

Within the Chamber, Sarah has been an active contributor to numerous committees and events. One of her favorite initiatives is Dinner on Main, a vibrant downtown celebration she has proudly chaired for the past two years. As a former downtown business owner herself, she values the opportunity to spotlight Sullivan’s historic charm while bringing people together through food, music, and community.

Beyond the Chamber, Sarah is involved with several local organizations, including Franklin County Area United Way, Friends of Boy Scout Pack 444, and past time in Sullivan Rotary Club and the Sullivan Downtown Business Partnership. Her commitment to service is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her parents—longtime business owners in Sullivan—who taught her the importance of respect, integrity, and hard work. She believes these key values transcend industry and apply to all areas of life.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from DePaul University. She has also completed various certifications in business and travel consulting relevant to current and past roles. When she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, reading, and indulging in a little retail therapy. She stays busy supporting her son Logan in his many activities, from soccer and band to Boy Scouts and Scholar Bowl.

Sarah believes that strong communities are built through collaboration, and she’s proud to be part of a board that champions local businesses and fosters growth throughout the Sullivan area.

Contact: sarah@theexplorertravelco.com