Sarah Blackwood launched her government affairs consulting firm in January 2016. She is an experienced legislative and public policy strategist with expertise in transportation and energy issues.

Sarah combines over 20 years of experience in the executive branch, on Capitol Hill, and in the private sector. She has guided clients from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofits, universities and labor unions to success in Washington.

Prior to launching SBGR, Sarah spent three years as a senior government relations consultant and excelled at understanding her clients’ unique challenges and helped translate their business objectives into strategic road-maps. Her ability to deliver successful outcomes for her clients is due to persistence, hard work and the lobbying know-how to get things done in Washington.

Sarah’s experience in public service included a political appointment at the U.S. Department of Energy as the Legislative Affairs Director for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The office she oversaw was the liaison between congressional authorizing committees, EERE technology offices, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Before her appointment at U.S. DOE, Sarah spent roughly nine years on Capitol Hill in a number of legislative positions for Congressman Martin Frost (Texas) and Congressman Jerry Costello (Illinois). From 2009-2012, Sarah was Congressman Costello’s Legislative Director and served as Professional Committee Staff on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Her responsibilities included managing and leading the Congressman’s policy agenda and legislative staff. Sarah was the Congressman’s point person on conference negotiations for the 2012 highway bill, known as MAP-21 and the 2012 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act.

Working for two moderate Democrats, Sarah forged relationships in both parties to advance the Congressmen’s efforts to best represent their constituents.

Sarah is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and she resides in Northern Virginia, with her husband and two boys.

Affiliations

Washington Aero Club

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri

Master in Public Policy, University of Sydney, Australia

Volunteer

Humane Rescue Alliance