Sara Chieffo

Government Relations Associate

Areas of Expertise:  Federal legislation relating to farm bill conservation programs and biofuels

Sara is a member of the Government Relations team where she currently focuses on federal legislation to reauthorize farm conservation programs as well as authorize expanded use of biofuels.  The farm bill has a significant impact on wildlife conservation because nearly 40 percent of our country’s threatened or endangered wildlife are found only on private lands. 

Before joining Defenders of Wildlife in January, 2007, Sara served as Director of Resources of the McKenzie River Trust, a land trust based in Oregon.  She also served as Chief of Staff for Oregon State Senator Frank Shields where her legislative portfolio focused on natural resources.  Sara has also been active in local and national political campaigns and served as a steering committee member for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.  Sara started her advocacy career working for CALPIRG.

Sara Chieffo holds a BA in American Studies from Georgetown University and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.  Sara is also a graduate of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs.

Contact Information
Phone: (202) 772-0270
Email: sara.chieffo@defenders.org