Sara Goertzen Dial

Background

Sara Goertzen Dial was born on March 21, 1964, in Seattle, Washington, United States. She is the daughter of Don Phillip and Irma Edith (Rundstrom) Goertzen.

Education

She received a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Stanford University in 1986.

Career

After graduation, Dial began her career in finance as an analyst at Rauscher, Pierce, Refsnes in Phoenix (1986–1988). She then advanced to the position of associate with Security Pacific Merchant in Phoenix (1988–1989), where she gained experience in investment and corporate finance. From 1989 to 1991 she served as senior associate at Kemper Securities Group, continuing her work in financial strategy and development.

In 1991 she transitioned to public service, joining the Arizona Department of Commerce as director of finance services and housing development. In this capacity, she oversaw programs aimed at strengthening housing opportunities and supporting community growth. Two years later, in 1993, she was appointed director of the Arizona Department of Commerce. In this leadership role, Dial guided statewide economic initiatives, promoted international trade, and fostered business development partnerships to attract new industries to Arizona.

She has also contributed to healthcare and finance as a member of the finance committee of the Samaritan Health System and as a board member of the Arizona Multibank C.D.C., supporting community-based economic projects.

Achievements

• Sara Goertzen Dial has been listed as a noteworthy state official by Marquis Who’s Who for her contributions to economic policy and public service.

Membership

She has held numerous leadership positions, including chairman of the Commerce Economic Development Commission, the Workforce Recruitment and Job Training Council, and the International Trade and Tourism Board. She has also served on the executive board of the Governor’s Strategic Partnership for Economic Development and the board of directors of the Arizona Governor’s Film and Television Advisory.

Dial chaired the Super Bowl XXX Business Development Committee, working to maximize the economic benefits of the event for the state. In addition, she is a member of Arizonans for Cultural Development and an honorary member of the Association for Corporate Growth.

Interests

• Avocations: hiking, skiing.

Connections

Married Patrick Dial, January 7, 1995.

Father:

Don Phillip Goertzen

Mother:

Irma Goertzen

Irma Edith Goertzen is a pioneering American nurse and healthcare executive, recognized as the first woman to head a major teaching hospital in the United States. At Magee, she played a central role in expanding clinical services for women and establishing the Magee-Women’s Research Institute, now the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s health.

Spouse:

Patrick Dial