Mara Sheldon is a member of the firm’s Strategic Advocacy Public Policy Practice, where she represents municipalities, private sector companies and nonprofits on a variety of legislative and regulatory matters related to renewable energy, environment and natural resources, healthcare, and banking and financial services issues. With deep expertise working with federal, state and local governments, she also advises clients on federal and state laws regulating the cannabis industry and strategic communications.
Mara has more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of public policy and strategic communications. She has represented major corporations, nonprofits and elected officials. Mara served as one of the youngest Press Secretaries on Capitol Hill at age 21 and ultimately became Communications Director to several members of Congress, including former Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, John D. Dingell, and Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business, Nydia Velazquez. Throughout her time on Capitol Hill, Mara worked on several marquee pieces of legislation, including healthcare, environment and water, banking and financial services.
Prior to joining the firm, Mara served as Communications Director and spokesperson for Governor Jared Polis’ successful gubernatorial campaign.
She currently serves as a Trustee to the Summit Foundation Board of Directors, a trusted local community foundation providing leadership and resources to assist local working families, resolve critical community issues and preserve the quality of life in Colorado’s mountain communities. Previously, she served on the boards of directors for Rose Women’s Group, Rose Community Foundation in Denver, Colorado and Team Breckenridge Sports Club in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Mara graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and a Minor in Political Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Journalism.
