Sara Burnett

Principal, Burnett Strategy and Communications; Program Manager and Chair, CIA Healthy Menus R&D Collaborative | St. Louis, MO

Sara Burnett is principal at Burnett Strategy and Consulting with expertise in multi-national communications, supply chain, ingredient, and ESG strategy. She also leads The Culinary Institute of America Healthy Menus R&D Collaborative that focuses on expanding healthy, sustainable, delicious food and beverage options within volume foodservice operations. She previously led Food Beliefs, Sustainability, Philanthropy, and Public Relations for 18 years for Panera Bread and Panera Brands where she served as a brand spokesperson, campaign lead, and executive advisor, authoring and managing bold ESG strategies. Most notably, she authored the corporation's 2013 Food Policy and Clean Food commitment, solidifying Panera’s brand position as a leader in fast casual and its 2020 commitment to becoming climate-positive. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Washington University St. Louis where she was a Pathfinder Fellow in environmental studies along with an M.B.A. from Webster University.  (St. Louis, MO) @SaraBurnettPNR