Sarah Perkins, Administrative Manager (she/her)

Sarah comes to Mahonia Public Affairs after spending the last seven years in education, working first in special education and later in early childhood education, where she had the opportunity to impart order, organization and joy into a chaotic, ever-changing environment — something Sarah enjoys getting to continue in her role at MPA. 

Although new to politics, Sarah was born and raised in the heart of Oregon’s capital. A native Oregonian and life-long Salem resident, Sarah’s roots started in dairy farming and have twisted and turned over the years, before landing her in administration and public affairs. 

After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Corban University in Salem, Sarah worked in the medical field, coordinating teams and projects at both the Salem Clinic and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Sarah’s years in the medical field involved many hours of managing patient, doctor and resident schedules, where she worked to ensure that every day was orderly, organized and on time — skills that remain a passion and pinpoint of her career. 

Sarah loves making lists and keeping people, projects and meetings on track. Her passion for management and her experience in health care and education give Sarah a unique understanding of our client’s needs — she understands that reaching your goals is as much about the journey as the finish line, and she is excited to help our clients reach their goals in strategic, streamlined ways that prioritize relationship-building, time management and teamwork.

When Sarah is not managing calendars or keeping students — or lobbyists — in line, you’ll find her traveling and exploring new places, or visiting local wineries throughout the Willamette Valley. At home, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and her two children Ashley, a soon-to-be freshman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Austin, a high school sophomore. With three rescue dogs (Lucy, Gracie and Daisy) and a new kitten (Izzy), Sarah is used to a fast-paced, energetic environment and she is excited to bring her patience, expertise and enthusiasm to the MPA team.