Sarah Blackwood, Founder & President

Sarah Blackwood is a nationally respected government affairs strategist who helps organizations secure federal funding, shape public policy, and achieve legislative and regulatory success in an increasingly complex Washington environment. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in Congress, the executive branch, and the private sector, she is known for providing practical, results-driven counsel that helps clients anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and accomplish their federal policy objectives.

As the Founder and President of Sarah Blackwood Government Relations, LLC (SBGR), Sarah leads a Washington, D.C.-based government affairs and strategic consulting firm representing clients before the U.S. Congress and federal agencies. Since founding the firm in 2016, she has advised Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, universities, labor organizations, and emerging businesses on legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies that advance organizational priorities and protect critical interests.

Sarah's practice spans transportation, aviation, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, technology, cybersecurity, environmental policy, tax, trade, and national defense. She is particularly recognized for helping clients navigate the federal appropriations process, complex legislative negotiations, and the intersection of policy and politics. Her clients have successfully secured federal grants and appropriations, shaped transportation and energy policy, and protected their interests during major legislative and regulatory negotiations.

Clients value Sarah not only for her bipartisan relationships throughout Washington, but also for her ability to quickly master complex policy issues, translate them into effective advocacy strategies, and engage policymakers at the moments when decisions are being made. Her approach combines strategic thinking, substantive policy expertise, and disciplined execution to deliver measurable results.

Prior to establishing SBGR, Sarah served as a Senior Government Relations Consultant, where she developed and implemented comprehensive advocacy strategies for a diverse portfolio of clients. Her ability to align business objectives with legislative and regulatory priorities laid the foundation for the client-focused approach that defines her practice today.

Sarah previously served as Legislative Affairs Director for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at the U.S. Department of Energy. She directed congressional affairs for one of the Department's largest program offices, serving as the principal liaison among congressional authorizing and appropriations committees, Department leadership, the Office of Management and Budget, and executive branch stakeholders. In this role, she advised senior leadership on legislative strategy, congressional oversight, and federal budget priorities while helping advance the Department's energy innovation agenda.

Earlier in her career, Sarah spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill serving Congressman Martin Frost (TX) and Congressman Jerry Costello (IL). She concluded her congressional service as Legislative Director to Congressman Costello while also serving as Professional Staff on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In these leadership roles, she directed the Congressman’s legislative agenda, managed the legislative staff, and advised on transportation, aviation, infrastructure, energy, and appropriations policy.

Sarah served as the Congressman’s lead advisor during negotiations on two landmark bipartisan laws—the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) and the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Working alongside congressional leadership, committee staff, executive agencies, and industry stakeholders, she helped navigate the legislative process for two of the most significant transportation policy initiatives of the decade.

Throughout her career, Sarah has earned a reputation for integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to build bipartisan coalitions that produce lasting policy outcomes. She is a trusted advisor to organizational leaders seeking experienced counsel on navigating Washington's evolving political and regulatory landscape.

Sarah earned a Master in Public Policy from the University of Sydney, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Sarah resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and their two sons.