Sarah L. Desmarais, PhD

Sarah L. Desmarais, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Policy Research Associates (PRA), a women-owned small business that leads the behavioral health field by creating positive social change. She joined PRA in 2021 and became CEO in 2022, setting the strategic vision for the organization and championing bold, evidence-informed solutions. Her direction has elevated PRA’s focus on bridging science and practice through world-class technical assistance and training services informed by rigorous research and evaluation. Through this reciprocal service model, PRA stands out as a national leader in service and system transformation, supporting individuals with behavioral health needs and contributing to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

Dr. Desmarais brings more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of behavioral health and community safety, with a primary focus on the criminal legal system. Before joining PRA, she was a Professor of Psychology and University Faculty Scholar at North Carolina State University, where she directed the Center for Family and Community Engagement. Her background includes advising federal and state agencies, briefing intelligence agencies, contributing to national policy discussions, and leading multidisciplinary initiatives to improve behavioral health treatment access, service coordination, and outcomes across systems.

Dr. Desmarais holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology and Law from Simon Fraser University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and remains engaged with professional and academic communities through collaborative research, mentorship, and service.