Public affairs and policy professional with more than 17 years of federal, state and local government relations expertise
DALLAS (Jan. 10, 2024) – Sarah Jackson joined HNTB Corporation as government relations director for the firm’s Central Division. She brings more than 17 years of experience in federal, state and local government, management, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
Jackson will direct the firm’s government relations activities for Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas and Mississippi. Her responsibilities include developing government and public affairs plans and collaborating with government relations professionals across the firm to develop and maintain relationships with key policymakers who impact the transportation infrastructure industry.
“Sarah is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to build relationships and unify groups with diverse interests across legislative, infrastructure and regulatory initiatives,” said Scott Haywood, HNTB senior vice president and Central Division president. “She will be a valuable addition to our growing government relations team, offering key support and insights to local governments and policymakers across Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Midwest. Her contributions and expertise will be instrumental in helping us navigate the complex landscape of government affairs and to the advancement of our collaborative solutions in the region.”
Prior to joining HNTB, Jackson served as the vice president of strategy and public affairs for Dallas Citizens Council, where she spearheaded and executed the organization’s strategic priorities, operations and public policy agenda in close collaboration with board leadership, c-suite members and community stakeholders. Earlier in her career, she served as a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Media Affairs, press secretary for Rep. Jeff Fortenberry and deputy press secretary for Rep. Pete Sessions.
Jackson earned a Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Journalism in broadcast news from the University of Missouri. She is currently the chairwoman of Texas Lyceum, Dallas Assembly secretary and board director, Power to Decide board of director and Bush School of Government and Public Service advisory board member. She was appointed by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson to serve on the City of Dallas’ Trinity River Corridor Local Government Corporation and is an active member of Links, Incorporated – Dallas Chapter and sustaining member of the Junior League of Dallas.