Taylor Sarman, Partner (he/him)

Taylor, who proudly hails from North Eastern Oregon, delivers insightful political strategies and results for clients as a Partner at Mahonia Public Affairs. He leads day-to-day engagement activities for clients including leading meetings with elected and government officials, and conducting public policy research in support of tailored strategies for clients.

As an advocate, Taylor has delivered big wins for clients in the Oregon Legislature. Of note, Taylor has successfully advocated for legislative appropriation that ensures adjunct faculty in Oregon’s public universities have access to quality affordable health care, passed legislation to protect nurses in Oregon’s operating rooms from hazardous surgical smoke, and removed bureaucratic barriers for first responders and medical providers trying to access medical test results. Taylor is also proud to have successfully advocated for legislation to help improve transparency of the pharmaceutical industry as well as policies to address the costs of prescription drugs for Oregonians.     

Taylor previously served as Chief of Staff for State Representative Margaret Doherty. There, he helped advocate for the largest expansion of free school meals in the nation. He also worked on education priorities including a common-sense law requiring the State Board of Education to have a licensed educator serving on the Board, expanding higher education access for foster youth in Oregon, and requiring all postsecondary institutions to have policies in place and training against hazing.  

Taylor started his career as an Intern for the Obama White House. There, he supported the President’s Commission on White House Fellows where he facilitated the Fellow selection process. This included candidate vetting, coordination of the selection committee members, sites and activities across the country, and Fellow support throughout their two-year service projects. In this role, Taylor built relationships and learned from top federal officials and political strategists, which influences the advice he offers clients today.

Prior to his work at the White House, Taylor also served as the inaugural student member of the Oregon State University Board of Trustees. Previously, he exercised his leadership as the University’s Student Body President. He has also participated in fellowship programs including the Tigard Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fellowship.

Taylor continues to be deeply engaged in his community, serving on the Tigard Committee for Community Engagement, and on the Board of Directors for Rural Development Initiative as Board Secretary. A Political Science graduate of Oregon State University, Taylor is an avid Beaver’s fan and passionate about work that connects rural and urban Oregon. When Taylor isn’t strategizing with clients, you can find him playing with his dog, Walter, who he rescued from the Oregon Humane Society.