Dr. Sarah Combs
President & Chief Officer
Dr. Sarah Combs is the new President & CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, bringing more than 25 years of community development and transformational leadership experience to one of Tampa Bay’s most impactful nonprofits. She is charting the course for the next chapter of Metro’s mission—guiding the organization into the future with a bold vision to expand housing, education, food security, and workforce opportunities for families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Prior to joining Metropolitan Ministries, Dr. Combs spent nearly 15 years as CEO of the University Area Community Development Corporation, where she secured over $150 million in investments to revitalize underserved neighborhoods. She is known for her innovative approach to programming design, financial strategy, land banking, and real estate development, consistently creating sustainable solutions for families in need.
As Metro’s new leader, Dr. Combs is committed to strengthening partnerships, building new opportunities for children and families, and positioning the organization to meet Tampa Bay’s most pressing challenges with compassion, equity, and innovation.
A highly respected leader in the community, Dr. Combs has been recognized as the Overall Winner of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth’s Women Who Win awards, Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Businesswoman of the Year. She has also received the USF College of Public Health’s Florida Outstanding Women in Public Health Award.
Dr. Combs continues to serve on several boards, including the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and USF Center for Entrepreneurship. She remains deeply involved in initiatives that foster racial equity, justice, and leadership development across the region.
With her proven record and forward-looking vision, Dr. Sarah Combs is leading Metropolitan Ministries into a future where families can not only survive—but thrive.