Sarah Anker is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and former Suffolk County Legislator who served with distinction for 13 years until she was term limited. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that strengthen children’s health, enhance public safety, promote economic stability, and protect Long Island’s natural environment.

Early Advocacy and Environmental Leadership
Over two decades ago, Sarah founded the Community Health and Environment Coalition (CHEC) to raise awareness of the direct links between environmental quality and human health. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing the New York State Department of Health’s cancer cluster investigation, bringing critical attention to environmental health issues on Long Island.

Working alongside neighbors and community groups, Sarah helped transform land slated for development into what is now Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, a vibrant community space that stands today as a testament to grassroots advocacy and civic engagement.

Energy Innovation in Brookhaven Town
Before entering elected office, Sarah spearheaded the creation of Brookhaven Town’s first Energy Department. As its inaugural Director, she oversaw the implementation of the $4.5 million federally funded Green Homes Go Solar program, providing renewable energy and efficiency opportunities to more than 500,000 town residents. Her work positioned Brookhaven as a regional leader in sustainability and clean energy policy.

Legislative Leadership
During her tenure as a Suffolk County Legislator, Sarah chaired several key committees, including the Education and Information Technology, Seniors and Human Services, and Health Committees, as well as the School Traffic Safety Commission and the Addiction Prevention and Support Advisory Panel. She also served as Vice-Chair of both the Budget and Finance and Veterans Committees, and was a member of the Ways and Means, Public Safety, Environment, Parks, and Agriculture, and Public Works and Energy Committees.

Legislative Achievements
Sarah authored and championed legislation and programs that have had a lasting impact on Suffolk County, including:

  • Establishing the School Active Violence Emergency (SAVE) Hotline, an emergency notification system to enhance school safety.

  • Launching Suffolk County’s first anti-bullying awareness website (SuffolkStopBullying.org).

  • Creating the SCPD Scam Alert site (SCPDscamalert.org) to help residents avoid fraud.

  • Facilitating SuffolkStopAddiction.org, a centralized resource hub for addiction and mental health support.

  • Initiating the Jobs Opportunity Board (JOB) to connect graduating high school seniors with local employment opportunities.

  • Promoting affordable housing for young adults through the Planned Young Adult Community (PYAC) concept, encouraging development on or near college campuses.

  • Partnering with PSEG to create an energy efficiency rebate program for electric customers.

  • Facilitating the construction of the 10-mile North Shore Rail Trail Recreational Path, expanding public access to outdoor recreation.

  • Developing comprehensive Veterans and Seniors Resource Guides.

  • Sponsoring laws to require e-liquid/liquid nicotine warnings and to ban intentional balloon releases, protecting both public health and the environment.

  • Supporting the acquisition of thousands of acres of open space and farmland, preserving Suffolk County’s rural character for future generations.

Awards and Recognition
Sarah’s leadership has been widely recognized. Her honors include:

  • New York State Senate Woman of Distinction Award

  • New York State Assembly Woman of Distinction Award

  • Rotary Club Community Service Award

  • Woman of the Year for Environment (The Record Newspaper)

  • Citations for outstanding community service from both Town of Brookhaven and Suffolk County

  • Inclusion in Who’s Who in America

  • American Society of Civil Engineers Quality of Life Award for the North Shore Rail Trail

  • Creative Child Magazine’s Book of the Year Award

Board and Committee Service
Sarah has brought her expertise to numerous advisory and leadership boards, including:

  • United States Congressional Breast Cancer Advisory Board

  • New York State Environmental Roundtable

  • Suffolk County Cancer Awareness and Support Taskforce

  • Brookhaven National Laboratory Legislative Roundtable

  • New York Sea Grant Program Advisory Committee

  • Mt. Sinai School Board of Trustees

  • YMCA Family Services Board of Trustees

  • Vanderbilt Museum Board of Trustees

Community Partnerships
Sarah has partnered with and supported a wide range of community organizations, including:

  • Historical societies

  • Health organizations and support groups

  • Children’s sports associations

  • Veterans’ support groups

  • Chambers of commerce and business organizations

  • Civic associations

  • Environmental organizations

  • Senior support programs and organizations

  • Educational museums

  • Cycling and sports clubs

Personal Life
Sarah resides in Mount Sinai, New York, where she has raised three children. She continues to be a driving force behind initiatives that promote quality of life, environmental stewardship, education, and community resilience.

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