May Spotlight: Sarah Frie – From the Pool to Project Management 

At SteerBridge, we take pride in recognizing the dedication, adaptability, and ambition of our team members. This month, we are excited to spotlight Sarah Frie, a Project Analyst on SteerBridge’s Growth and Proposal Team. 

Sarah’s journey to SteerBridge has been shaped by her experience as a Division I athlete, where she learned discipline, time management, and resilience—skills that now fuel her success in a fast-paced, high-performing environment. 

A Competitive Drive: From the Pool to the Workplace 

Sarah has spent virtually her entire life in competitive swimming, training for 16 years before graduating with a top-10 all-time record in the 100 butterfly and contributing to her school’s record-breaking 200 medley relay. Competing at a high level taught her work ethic, organizational skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure—qualities that have seamlessly translated into her role at SteerBridge. 

“I didn’t always love every aspect of training, but it shaped who I am today,” Sarah says. “Balancing athletics, academics, and extracurriculars taught me how to juggle multiple priorities—something that helps me every day at SteerBridge.” 

From Intern to Full-Time: Growing with SteerBridge 

Sarah’s journey with SteerBridge began with an internship she randomly discovered . Drawn to SteerBridge’s status as a Veteran-Owned business, Sarah—who comes from a military family—was inspired by the company’s mission and fast-paced environment. 

Her internship evolved into a multi-phase experience: first as an in-person summer intern, then as a remote intern throughout her final semester of college. Unlike many traditional internships, Sarah was deeply involved in SteerBridge’s internal operations, gaining exposure to senior leadership, proposal development, and business strategy. 

“I was able to meet and connect with leadership, learn from their experiences, and see SteerBridge’s business processes up close. It wasn’t just busy work—I was part of the team,” she explains. 

When she transitioned into a full-time Project Analyst role last summer, she hit the ground running. Her internship had prepared her well, allowing her to contribute effectively from day one. 

Mastering Business Development at SteerBridge 

As a Project Analyst on the Growth and Proposal Team, Sarah plays a crucial role in SteerBridge’s growth strategy. 

Her daily responsibilities include: 

✅ Managing proposal work for SteerBridge’s Professional Services and Growth Vertical 
✅ Conducting market research to identify and track new business opportunities 
✅ Building business analysis dashboards in Power BI 

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities—and that’s exactly what she loves. 

“No day is the same. As a young professional, working on the Growth Team has been an incredible learning experience.” 

Working alongside Dr. Lisa Sedlock, Joe Williams, Josh Powanda and Amanda Roberson, Sarah has been able to hone her skills in proposal management and strategic growth. She credits Lisa for mentorship and support, guiding her from intern to full-time analyst while encouraging her to take on new responsibilities and expand her knowledge. 

Applying an Athlete’s Mindset to SteerBridge’s Fast-Paced Culture 

The transition from Division I athletics to a high-performance workplace has been natural for Sarah. 

At SteerBridge, much like in swimming, success depends on focus, discipline, and teamwork—especially during high-volume proposal seasons. 

“Being able to hyper-focus and get the job done—regardless of circumstances—is something I learned from swimming. Those same principles help me at SteerBridge, especially when managing multiple projects on tight deadlines.” 

Her ability to stay organized, adapt to challenges, and perform under pressure has made her an essential part of the Team’s success. 

Looking Ahead: The Future at SteerBridge 

Sarah is eager to continue growing within SteerBridge, with goals to: 

🎯 Expand her network by attending more industry events and working closely with PMs 
🎯 Deepen her expertise in government contracting and business development 
🎯 Earn her PMP certification to enhance her project management capabilities 

“SteerBridge invests in its employees and encourages us to take on new challenges. The mentorship I’ve received—from senior leadership and the CEO himself—has been invaluable.” 

Her advice to interns and new employees? 

“Be curious and take initiative. If there’s a project you want to be part of or a skill you want to learn, ask. SteerBridge’s small-company environment gives you the chance to connect with leadership, take ownership of your work, and grow quickly.” 

A Word from Leadership 

Rob Schroder, SteerBridge’s CEO, praised Sarah’s impact: 

“Sarah embodies the talent and ambition that SteerBridge values. She came in as an intern eager to learn, quickly established herself as a key team member, and now plays a vital role in our growth strategies. Her discipline, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver under pressure are exactly what make SteerBridge successful.” 

Join Our Team

SteerBridge is committed to developing young professionals like Sarah—individuals with the drive, resilience, and leadership to make an impact. 

If you’re looking for a fast-paced environment, hands-on learning, and the opportunity to grow with a company that values ambition and innovation, explore opportunities at SteerBridge today.