Sarah was born and grew up in Pasadena.  She earned degrees in Computer Science and Music from Stanford University, and an MBA in Finance from UC Berkeley.

Sarah co-founded a Silicon Valley telecommunications company, Network Equipment Technologies in 1982 with husband Roger Chrisman.  She served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer until her retirement.  The company was a spectacular success with over $400 Million in sales, 2000 employees, and sales offices worldwide within four years.  The Company went public on NASDAQ in 1985 and moved to the NYSE in 1987.

Sarah has served on the Board of the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts for more than 15 years and was actively involved in the purchase and restoration/renovation of the Granada Theater.  She has served as Treasurer, Vice President, and for over six years as Board Chair.  She also serves as a Director of Opera Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Symphony and  Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation.

Sarah is Chief Financial Officer of the Warren and Katherine Schlinger Foundation.  She, Roger, and daughter Carolyn run the Schlinger Chrisman Foundation, a major supporter of performing arts and education in Santa Barbara.

Sarah is very proud to have had the fortune of supporting Roger as he moved through the Chairs to become Commodore of Santa Barbara Yacht Club in 2010.

Sarah and Roger are also active members of the Tahoe Yacht Club, Saint Francis Yacht Club, the San Francisco Yacht Club, Birnam Wood Golf Club, and Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells.