Bio

Sarah Acosta is a director for the Human Resources & Risk Management department of Harris County, TX. As director, she leads the Benefits & Wellness division which administers health and related benefits to approximately 43,000 insured employees, retirees, and their covered dependents. Sarah began her professional career at the County in 2007 serving as their lone wellness coordinator charged with the task of developing an employee wellness program. Fifteen years later, what was just a mere program has grown into a dynamic and evolving presence. Sarah implemented the County’s first incentivized health plan, the “Healthy Actions Medical Plan;” established an onsite clinic for employees; launched the HC Employee 5K, a cherished annual event since 2014; and has transformed the way in which wellness programming and benefits are communicated with employees and retirees. As director, Sarah is now developing strategies and leveraging resources to improve the efficiency and efficacy of how and what benefits are administered and communicated to its members.

Sarah is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food & Nutrition. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences from The University of Texas Health Science Center. She is also a registered and licensed dietitian and certified group fitness instructor. Sarah is as passionate about health at home as she is at work. She is an avid runner and step aerobics enthusiast, concocter of culinary confections, wife and mother of two mischievous boys.