The Foundation
Every leader is shaped long before they ever hold public office. For Sarah Chapman, that foundation was built through faith, family, hard work, and a belief that education creates opportunity.
After losing her father at a young age, Sarah watched her mother raise their family with remarkable strength and determination. Through faith, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to education, she taught her children that integrity, perseverance, and compassion would open doors that no one could ever close.
Those early lessons became the compass that has guided Sarah throughout her life—from the shipyard floor to the classroom, from nonprofit leadership to City Hall, and in every opportunity she has had to serve others.
“Education is something no one can ever take away from you.”
-A lesson that shaped Sarah’s life.
Preparing to Serve
Sarah’s journey has never followed a single path. Early in her career, she completed a four-year apprenticeship and worked as an Inside Machinist at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, where she learned the value of precision, teamwork, accountability, and taking pride in a job well done.
Those same qualities guided her pursuit of higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting, a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Manpower Management, and eventually a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in Management and Leadership.
Throughout her career, Sarah has served students, families, educators, nonprofit organizations, and the broader community. She served for 18 years on the Vacaville Unified School District Board of Trustees, 10 years on the Solano Community College Governing Board, and 10 years as an adjunct professor, helping shape opportunities for future generations. Along the way, she supported initiatives including Early College High School, prison education programs, the African American Male Scholars Program, Student Services, and other efforts designed to expand opportunity and student success.
Every chapter added another perspective, another lesson, and another opportunity to serve.
Sarah’s decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and local government have prepared her for thoughtful, collaborative leadership at every level. Elected to the Vacaville City Council in 2022 and appointed Vice Mayor in 2025, she has continued to focus on listening carefully, building partnerships, and making decisions that reflect the long-term interests of the community.
Sarah believes Vacaville’s greatest strength has always been its people. Protecting public safety, preserving the character of our neighborhoods, supporting responsible growth, strengthening local businesses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility all begin with the same principle: listening first, leading with integrity, and always putting the community first.
For Sarah, public service has never been about holding office. It has always been about helping build a city where families feel safe, businesses can succeed, young people have opportunities to grow, and future generations are proud to call Vacaville home.
A Note From Sarah
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about my journey. Every chapter of my life has reinforced my belief that leadership is rooted in service, strengthened through collaboration, and measured by the trust we earn.
I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that has given so much to me, and I look forward to continuing that work with integrity, transparency, and respect for every resident who calls Vacaville home.
— Sarah