Georgia State University Appoints Sarah Bartlett as AVP of Advancement for Corporate & Foundation Relations

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, May 15th, 2026

Georgia State University has named Sarah Bartlett as the university’s new assistant vice president of advancement for Corporate and Foundation Relations. In this leadership role, Bartlett will guide the university’s strategy for corporate and foundation engagement, strengthening philanthropic partnerships that advance Georgia State’s mission of student success, research innovation and community impact.

With 18 years of development experience across higher education, nongovernmental organizations and Atlanta‑based nonprofits, Bartlett brings deep philanthropic expertise and strong relationships with local, national and global funders. She comes to Georgia State from Emory University, where she most recently served as lead director of corporate and foundation relations and secured multimillion‑dollar support for the Rollins School of Public Health and other priorities.

Earlier in her career, Bartlett worked with President and Mrs. Carter at The Carter Center, securing multimillion-dollar grants and principal gifts for global health and peace programs. She has also served as director of development at Georgia Organics and worked in foundation relations at CARE. Known as an entrepreneurial and collaborative strategist, she is recognized for her knowledge of donor trends and the philanthropic landscape. Bartlett holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Florida. She is a board member of Community Friendship Inc., supporting mental health in Atlanta.

As assistant vice president, Bartlett will oversee a team of development professionals and build major corporate and foundation partnerships aligned with university priorities. She will collaborate closely with university leadership, deans, faculty and Advancement colleagues to develop innovative fundraising strategies, steward donors and support comprehensive and capital campaign initiatives while strengthening corporate and foundation relationships that advance research, student success and community impact.

“Sarah Bartlett brings exceptional experience in building meaningful, high-impact partnerships with corporations and foundations,” said Tabatha Michel, interim vice president of Advancement and interim president of the Georgia State University Foundation. “Her commitment to donor-centered engagement, strategic vision and talent for cultivating major philanthropic relationships will significantly strengthen Georgia State’s ability to support students, expand research and serve our community. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Advancement leadership team.”

Georgia State University Advancement works to elevate the university’s status as a national leader in student success, research, innovation and cultural impact. Through fundraising, donor engagement, alumni relations and strategic partnerships, the division supports transformative opportunities for students, faculty and the broader community. To learn more about the work of University Advancement and Corporate and Foundation Relations, visit giving.gsu.edu/cfr.