Special Olympics Canada Welcomes Sarah Barker as New VP of Brand, Marketing & Communications

Special Olympics Canada is excited to announce that Sarah Barker will be joining our team as the new Vice President of Brand, Marketing & Communications. Sarah’s appointment marks a new chapter for our organization as we continue to build on the strong foundation established by her predecessor, Karen Cinq Mars, who retired this year after serving in this role since 2018.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in marketing, branding, and communications, most recently from her role as Chief Marketing Officer at the True Patriot Love Foundation. At True Patriot Love, she successfully launched the foundation’s first-ever organizational branding campaign, “Remastered Memories,” which was shortlisted for a Cannes Lion award. This innovative campaign re-engaged Canadians by celebrating their connections to the military, showcasing Sarah’s ability to lead impactful initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences.

In addition to her work at True Patriot Love, Sarah also played a key role as the Interim Head of Marketing and Communications for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, where she was integral in the successful bid process and the founding of the Local Organizing Committee. Her experience at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sport for individuals with disabilities and their families, deeply aligns with the mission and values of Special Olympics Canada.

Sarah's career has been marked by a series of impressive roles, including Vice President of Brand and Public Engagement at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Foundation, where she was involved in the creation of the award-winning "Dear Everybody" campaign. She also held the position of Director of Digital and Public Relations at the Canadian Women’s Foundation, further honing her strategic communication skills and her commitment to social impact.

Outside of her professional achievements, Sarah is dedicated to community service and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Future Possibilities for Kids, an organization that empowers children to reach their full potential.

As she steps into her new role at Special Olympics Canada, Sarah is poised to bring fresh energy, creativity, and strategic direction to our brand, marketing, and communications efforts. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sport and to foster a more inclusive society for all.

We also want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Karen Cinq Mars for her unwavering dedication and leadership over the past six years. Under Karen’s guidance, Special Olympics Canada saw tremendous growth in visibility and engagement, and her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Barker to the Special Olympics Canada family. We look forward to the innovative and inspiring contributions she will bring to our team and the communities we serve.