Sara Presler / History / Class of 2002
Sara Presler (B.S. History, ’02) is an attorney and strategic leader in the cannabis industry. Sara is General Counsel for Mohave Cannabis Co., a multi-state operator engaged in cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations since 2015. After earning her history degree from NAU, Sara graduated from law school and Michigan State University. Following, three public service clerkships and low-income legal clinical experience, Sara’s career launched as a public defender for Coconino County and as an adjunct law instructor at Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College. Then, Sara was twice elected Mayor of Flagstaff, Arizona and was the youngest person and first woman in that office. She’s served as General Counsel for a global wind turbine company and CEO of a privately held medical company. Sara was selected as CEO of the Arizona Foundation for Women, guided the nonprofit to earn a landmark grant from the NFL Foundation, and then strategically partnered with the Arizona Community Foundation.
In the spirit of continuing service, Sara is a Board Member for the Arizona Dispensaries Association, a Board Member for Arizona Autism United, a volunteer for the Gilbert Public Schools override campaign, and a Girl Scout troop leader. Sara credits NAU and the history department for teaching her critical thinking, research, and writing skills that have been used in business and public service. Sara encourages all students to explore a degree in history to diversify their career opportunities, better understand the world around us, and gain lifelong mentors and friends.