Sarah Helton
ABOUT SARAH
As a Partner on our government relations team with extensive experience in the legal, federal policy, and political sectors, Sarah works with businesses and organizations to provide counsel and thought leadership on policy issues impacting their business. Sarah helps our clients successfully navigate the federal government by developing and implementing legislative and regulatory strategies that create market opportunities, mitigate challenges, and help companies positively brand themselves. Sarah positions companies to be proactive rather than reactive to legislation and regulation. Her policy practice includes procurement, trade, technology, privacy, education, and labor.
Sarah leads Michael Best Strategies’ procurement practice where we work to position our clients for success when doing business with the federal government. We provide one team that our clients can go to throughout the entire procurement process, whether it is government relations, business development, and legal services.
Sarah’s Expertise: Tax & Finance, Energy & Environment, Education, Manufacturing, Trade, and Political Giving
Sarah co-leads our trade practice that focuses on customs strategies, tariff relief, free trade agreements, sanctions, AD/CVD and COO. Sarah also serves on the core team for Michael Best’s Digital Technology and Blockchain, Digital Currencies, and Smart Contracts practice groups.
At the intersection of policy is the political world. Sarah serves on the Michael Best PAC’s Board of Directors and works with clients to develop their political strategies, including PAC formation and implementation.
Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, Sarah served as Regulatory Counsel at ASTM International. In this role, Helton supported the Office Global Policy and Industry Affairs on legal, legislative, and regulatory matters. She advised on current and emerging federal policy and regulatory matters that affected diverse industries, including energy, environment, transportation, technology, and trade. Sarah also assisted the General Counsel on intellectual property, litigation, employment, and contract issues.
Sarah also worked at the National Beer Wholesalers Association, one of the most powerful associations in Washington, D.C., and served on the Republican National Committee’s Finance team throughout the 2008 Presidential election cycle.
EDUCATION
- George Mason University School of Law, Juris Doctor
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor of Arts – Political Science and History
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Volunteer, Girls on the Run
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Sarah’s affiliations during her professional career:
- Member of Board of Directors and Chair of Advocacy and Coalitions Committee, American School Health Association
- Executive Committee Member, U.S. Chambers of Commerce’s Business Task Force on Water Policy
- Member, Women in Government Relations