Sarah Balian

Director of Programs

Sarah Balian joined 413 in September 2024 as Director of Programs, shortly after completing a non-traditional career in the United States Air Force. Alongside 413's CEO and Senior Director, she is responsible for building 413's capabilities and culture through program management and leadership.

Sarah's 25 years on Active Duty included eight years in the security cooperation/international affairs community, twelve years in public affairs/cultural diplomacy and two years in higher education. In her final assignment, Sarah served as senior advisor to the Dean of Faculty and French instructor at the United States Air Force Academy. Previously, she was a senior defense fellow at the State Department's Bureau of Populations, Refugees and Migration, overseeing humanitarian policy and programming in the Sahel region. Sarah has directed a global military development program supporting Partner Nations across five continents, and has led military capacity-building engagements across North and West Africa.

In a former life, Sarah was a full-time professional musician - a passion she continues as a performing member of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic (oboe). Sarah holds a MA in International Affairs and Conflict Resolution from American Military University and BAs in Music Performance and French Studies from Northwestern University.