With more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of government relations, public affairs, and higher education governance, Sarah L. Hubbard is a proven leader in navigating complex policy environments, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving organizational success.

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Sarah currently serves as Principal and Co-Owner of Acuitas, a Lansing-based government relations and business development consulting firm. In this role, she works with clients ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, providing expert guidance on advocacy strategies, political engagement, and relationship building. Her deep connections with Michigan’s highest-ranking officials — including the governor, legislature, congressional delegation, and municipal leaders — have helped deliver results to her clients.

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In addition to her private sector work, Sarah was elected to the University of Michigan Board of Regents in 2021. As a Regent, she has played a pivotal role in overseeing the university’s $15 billion budget and $20 billion endowment. She has served as Board Chair, Chair of the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committee, and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, demonstrating her ability to lead through complex governance and financial challenges. Sarah has also provided critical strategic input during crises, including cyberattacks, campus safety incidents, and high-profile protests, often serving as a spokesperson to local and national media. Her experience extends to guiding the university’s health system — now larger than its academic units — through risk assessment and long-term capital planning.

Sarah’s earlier career includes 17 years at the Detroit Regional Chamber, where she served as Senior Vice President of Government Relations. In this capacity, she was the Chamber’s primary liaison to policymakers at all levels, representing the interests of 23,000 member organizations. She worked closely with Michigan’s largest corporate leaders to advance shared advocacy goals and served as management’s voice in the Chamber boardroom.

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Sarah earned an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

Her professional excellence and leadership have been widely recognized, including being named to Crain’s Detroit Business “50 Names to Know in Lobbying” (2020, 2022), “Women to Watch” (2008), and “40 Under 40” (2005). Sarah has also served on numerous boards, including the Public Affairs Council, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

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With a career defined by effective leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to public service, Sarah L. Hubbard continues to shape the future of Michigan’s public and private sectors through her work as a consultant, university leader, and trusted advisor.

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Follow Sarah on Twitter @RegentHubbard and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hubbard4Michigan

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Sarah in the News:

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Unofficial results: Democratic incumbent Bernstein stays on U-M Board of Regents while GOP challenger Hubbard may win spot

Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 9:45am