As a trained teacher with a degree and PHD in Zoology, Sally taught in secondary schools and further education colleges before joining the Ulster Museum in 1990 as their first Science Education Officer. She became Head of Education in 1995 before being seconded as the Project Director of the museum’s millennium bid to develop Odyssey. 

Sally led the development of Northern Ireland’s Science Centre, W5, from conception to completion and became the founding Chief Executive in 2001. After 11 years as CEO, she stepped down in June 2012 to freelance. She worked on the development of new science centres in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, until her retirement in 2021. 

Sally has held a number of Board and advisory positions, including: Northern Ireland Advisory Committee for OfCom, the Multi Cultural Resource Centre at Bryson House, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Regional Advisory Council of the National Trust, and Maritime Belfast. She chaired Newry Mourne and Down's Task and Finish Board for the regeneration of Castlewellan Demesne.

Currently Sally is a member of Mourne Heritage Trust and the Historic Monuments Council, and is a Commissioner of Irish Lights. 

Sally is active on her social media accounts:

• Twitter: @DsmSally 
• LinkedIn: Dr Sally Montgomery OBE