Sarah McLean, Account Executive

Sarah McLean joined Spitfire Strategies as an account coordinator with knowledge of the public affairs, corporate, nonprofit and higher education sectors. At Spitfire, she provides policymaker research, writing and media relations services to a variety of clients such as the Gideon Project and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with a focus on public health, indigent defense, financial reform and education.

Prior to joining Spitfire Strategies, Sarah worked as the marketing manager and account coordinator at Widmeyer Communications. There, she managed all internal and external marketing initiatives for the firm, securing placements in PR Week, O’Dwyer’s and the Washington Business Journal. She also provided account services to a variety of public affairs clients, including the United State Climate Action Partnership, Consumers United for Rail Equity and the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, where she provided support through media relations, legislative research and outreach and crisis communications.

Previously, Sarah interned at Jack Horner Communications in Pittsburgh, Pa. She helped develop and execute a multi-month brand awareness campaign for the H. J. Heinz Corporation and secured placements in national media outlets such as The Detroit Free Press and The Salt Lake Tribune.

Sarah graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia University with a B.S. in journalism, with concentrations in public relations and business administration. As an undergraduate, she interned with WVU’s News and Information Services, served as Communications Director for WVU Student Government Association and interned for Progressity, Inc., a public relations firm in Charleston, W.Va.

Sarah is currently pursuing her M.S. in integrated marketing communications (IMC) from West Virginia University.