Sara Fitzgerald Email & Phone Number

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Directs policy research and strategic communications initiatives focused on influencing the local economic climate and impacting Chamber policy goals in education reform, public safety, and downtown revitalization.• Coordinated a 3-day Washington, DC trip for 12 Albuquerque-area business leaders and elected officials to meet with 12+ federal and congressional officials, leading to enhanced partnerships, new grant opportunities, and increased visibility.• Accompanied local business leaders on visits to local high-performing charter schools to facilitate discussions on school growth plans and community support, resulting in expansion of four schools and renewal of two established schools.• Led a $250K, multi-year grant project with contract researchers to develop recommendations for K-12 principal preparation and professional development, including drafting legislation for higher education standards.• Authored two annual publications setting forth Chamber priorities, evaluating YoY impact, and identifying future challenges.• Published weekly newsletters for 2.6K+ subscribers, keeping investors and partners informed on policies and developments.• Scheduled, scripted, and planned 12 virtual and in-person events during 2020-2021 program year to include guest speakers such as the New Mexico Congressional Delegation and state agency heads.

Albuquerque, Nm, United States

Spearheaded the charter school’s external affairs strategy, taking the lead on aligning and promoting the brand by updating the school’s website, managing social media channels, and leading legislative campaigns.• Secured a competitive private grant for 350 Chromebooks to facilitate low-income students’ remote learning.• Obtained $75K in grant funding to execute building projects and improve student and family support.• Acquired $20K in legislative capital outlay funding for critical security equipment and a playground.• Steered social media marketing initiatives, increasing engagement and growing social media followers by 68%.

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

Santa Fe, New Mexico Area

Worked on a two-month project to write analyses for 200+ measures referred to the House Education Committee, draft legislation and amendment language, and support members during committee hearings and floor debates.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Advanced to partner with cabinet-level leaders across seven state agencies, including the Public Education and Indian Affairs Departments and the Department of Veterans Services to oversee and manage policy, legislative, and communications initiatives.• Designated by the Governor to serve on the Public School Capital Outlay Council, successfully blocking a charter school facilities policy that threatened to dramatically cut into charter lease assistance.• Authored materials and remarks for the Governor to deliver at press events and industry summits, including testimony for a US House of Representatives subcommittee and international trade mission.• Handled communications affairs, working with staff to plan events, manage crises, and respond to urgent media requests.• Worked with cabinet-level agency leaders on the annual state budget process to deliver executive recommendations.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Area

• Guided adoption of a statewide AP credit policy through conducting comparative research of other states.• Co-developed the Governor’s policy agenda for the state legislative session.• Collaborated in the agency budget process to produce an executive recommendation.• Advised legislators and lobbyists on the drafting and amendment of legislative measures.• Served as the Governor’s designee on the New Mexico Public School Capital Outlay Council.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Area

• Researched state challenges and policy solutions across K-12 and higher education, workforce development, tribal affairs, workers’ compensation, pensions, and public project finance.• Tracked and analyzed 100-200 bills each legislative session to advise the Governor on signing and veto action.

Richmond, Virginia Area

University Of Virginia

• Assisted in selection of undergraduate research compositions from among 50+ submissions each semester• Collaborated with student author to edit one research composition for grammar, methodology, and length requirements• Developed and implemented design decisions with other editors using Adobe InDesign

University Of Virginia

• Engaged 12-15 visitors of all ages in conversation about art while communicating relevant facts about artists, the techniques they used, and the time period they lived in• Prepared and led tours up to 60 minutes in length in English and French up to three times each semester• Enforced museum rules to protect artwork and maintain a calm and pleasant learning environment

• Translated titles of journal articles and abstracts of French academic articles in the social sciences• Conducted light research to verify translation of specialized language of the social sciences, such as psychology, political science, and African studies• Read and finalized up to 8 translated articles daily for accuracy, readability, formatting, and to maintain consistency with Chicago Manual of Style and house style manual

Fredericksburg, Virginia

• Translated titles of journal articles and abstracts of French academic articles in the social sciences• Conducted light research to verify translation of specialized language of the social sciences, such as psychology, political science, and African studies• Read and finalized up to 8 translated articles daily for accuracy, readability, formatting, and to maintain consistency with Chicago Manual of Style and house style manual

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Foreign Affairs, 3.73 Gpa

Graduated with distinction.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), French Language And Literature, 3.73 Gpa

Graduated with distinction.