Sarah OTT McDonnell

Community relations manager Sarah McDonnell brings her deep-rooted connection to East Tennessee and a lifetime of resilience to our front desk. Growing up on a farm in Blount County, she spent her childhood learning the value of East Tennessee history and a hard day’s work from her father.

A graduate of Heritage High School and the University of Tennessee, Sarah’s professional journey is as diverse as her interests. Her background spans from portrait photography and small business management to serving as a financial counselor and then as an assistant for the Dean of Students at the University of Tennessee, where she helped manage the exponential growth of student organizations.

Sarah’s path was inspired by mentors like Carl Koella, who encouraged Sarah to join the law due to her sharp wit and love of books. Today, she uses that same tenacity to support others, volunteering with networks for victims of narcissistic trauma and anti-cult organizations.

When she isn’t greeting clients, you can find Sarah exploring the back roads of the Smokies, kayaking, mountain biking, and supporting the local Americana music scene and WDVX. Above all, she is the proud mother of four children, two dogs, and several chickens