Sarah Spilman brings more than 25 years of cross-sector experience spanning state government, nonprofit organizations, higher education, healthcare, and trauma systems. Her career has been defined by strong leadership in research, data strategy, project management, and operational excellence.

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Sarah began her professional journey in Minnesota state government, leading a multi-agency legislative reporting initiative. She then transitioned to the nonprofit setting, where she transformed complex data into compelling research reports and marketing materials. After attending graduate school at the University of Iowa, she served as a data manager and project director for a longitudinal research study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

From 2012-2020, Sarah worked at a Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where she directed all aspects of the trauma research program. (Check out this blog post to read about her first week in a trauma center!) Her responsibilities included study design, data collection, statistical analysis, writing, publication development, and dissemination of research findings. She also played a central role in trauma operations, including trauma registry oversight, performance improvement, TQIP reporting, PIPS, protocol development, and ACS verification. 

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Sarah founded Diligent Consulting in 2020 with the goal of helping ensure access to trauma care in communities across the country. Sarah has worked with almost 30 hospitals, trauma centers, and EMS agencies from coast to coast, partnering with hospitals to assess capacity, support new trauma center development, and address complex financial and operational challenges. Her company has also been a subcontracted firm for large-scale projects with other trauma consulting organizations, including Bishop+Associates and Peregrine Consulting.

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A highly diligent project manager, Sarah excels at facilitating collaboration, aligning stakeholders, managing timelines, and guiding teams through complex trauma center processes. ​She is especially known for her ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable reports, visuals, and presentations that drive strategic decision-making.

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Sarah holds a master’s degree in sociology, with specialized training in healthcare management (Vanderbilt University) and research methodology (University of Iowa). She has published 35+ academic papers, contributed to more than 40 regional and national presentations, mentored dozens of residents and medical students, and collaborated with more than 100 co-authors across medical and academic disciplines. ​She also brings more than a decade of nonprofit board governance experience and remains actively engaged in community service in her home community.

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See the Curriculum Vitae for more of Sarah’s accomplishments.