Our people

As Chief Executive Officer, Sarah is responsible for the overall management of CommUnity Crisis Services, operating under the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors. For the past 20 years, Sarah has worked in child welfare, criminal justice, crisis services, and youth services. Throughout her career, she has led many successful community-wide strategic initiatives, implemented innovative programs to address barriers for those experiencing crisis, as well as developed programs to address the root causes of poverty to help individuals and families not just survive, but thrive.

Chief Operating Officer, Adrianne Korbakes, is responsible for the leadership and oversight of all programming at CommUnity. She strives to provide comprehensive, low barrier, nonjudgmental support to any person who is experiencing a difficult time in their life. Adrianne has over a decade of professional experience within various nonprofits, with roles ranging from direct service to leadership. Her passion is in innovative program development to help address complex societal challenges, reduce stigma, and expand access to quality care.

Away from work, Adrianne has forgone her previous hobbies of hiking, craft beer sampling, and yoga, and is now consumed with activities of those who care for young children. You can find her doing copious loads of laundry, singing Baby Shark, and sneaking naps whenever possible.

For the last decade, Drew has been at the forefront of crisis services program development, and suicide prevention efforts in Iowa. He co-created the first co-responder program in the state, and developed an innovative mobile crisis outreach model now used statewide by numerous crisis services organizations. Drew is an advocate for evidence-based practices, and deep expertise in supporting individuals with suicide ideation and behaviors.

A military veteran, Drew was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and lives there with his wife, Anna, daughters, Madeline and River, and son, Ellis. He has a therapy practice at Meadowlark Psychiatric in North Liberty, is a contractor with the American Association of Suicidology as a site surveyor and trainer.

As Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer is responsible for the oversight of CommUnity Crisis Services’ finances, which includes management and understanding of all revenue sources and expenses. She is also tasked with financial reporting to the Board of Directors, funding sources, and regulatory agencies. Her search for an inclusive and mission-driven organization and community with educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities, led Jennifer to CommUnity Crisis Services and back to Iowa City. Jennifer is from eastern Iowa and graduated from The University of Iowa with an accounting degree and The University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She is also a licensed certified public accountant in The State of Iowa. She has held different accounting and finance roles during her career, with the last ten years as a Chief Financial Officer. She has also worked in several industries, including public accounting, financial services, and both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare organizations. She has led and served on several non-profit boards and has volunteered for many organizations in eastern Iowa. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending sporting and live music events, reading, walking, and being outside in the sunshine.

Angie is responsible for everything related to the operations of CommUnity. Bookkeeping and financial reports, purchasing, building maintenance, staff benefits and payroll (our favorite!) are just a few of her many areas of expertise. Angie joined CommUnity Crisis Services in September 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from St. Ambrose University and is a native of Durant, Iowa.

Julia joined CommUnity’s staff in 2017. As the Director of Development, Julia is currently responsible for fundraising strategy and implementation. She believes deeply in the roots of philanthropy and is inspired by CommUnity’s supporters. Julia is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and certificates in Fundraising and Philanthropy Communications and Event Planning.

Sara received her BA in Geography and Social Change from the University of Iowa in 2003. She has worked and volunteered for several non-profits in the Iowa City area. Sara has worked at CommUnity Crisis Center and The Housing Fellowship. Sara served as an AmeriCorps member at the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. Sara has volunteered at numerous nonprofits including Summer of the Arts, Four Oaks, Home Ties Daycare, Salvation Army, and she has led the charge for several local fundraisers. Sara has planned and organized a wide range of successful events as a professional and volunteer. During her free time, Sara enjoys photography, traveling, live music and above all spending time with her family.

Ryan started with CommUnity as a volunteer in 2018. He has a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Music Education. Ryan handles data related projects, develops and administers training for new volunteers and staff, trains ASIST, and handles some IT. He also presented research on the effect of Developmental Helping Model skills on client mood at the 2019 American Association of Suicidology Conference in Denver.