Veteran Policy Advisor Mara Sheldon Joins Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group in Denver
DENVER (February 10, 2026) – Holland & Knight has strengthened its Public Policy & Regulation Group with the addition of Mara Sheldon as a senior policy advisor in Denver. Ms. Sheldon was previously a principal with Squire Patton Boggs.
Ms. Sheldon represents states, municipalities, private sector companies and nonprofits on a variety of legislative and regulatory matters related to renewable energy, environment and natural resources, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, and banking and financial services. She also serves as the state of Colorado's federal liaison at the National Governors Association, where she has been the conduit for the state with both the Trump and Biden Administrations as well as the nation's governors.
Ms. Sheldon previously served as communications director and spokesperson for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' successful gubernatorial campaign. She also previously served as communications director to several members of Congress, including John D. Dingell, the former chair and ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Nydia M. Velázquez, the current ranking member of the House Committee on Small Business. Throughout her time on Capitol Hill, Ms. Sheldon worked on major legislative initiatives in healthcare, environmental and water policy, and banking and financial services.
She also contributes to the Colorado community through advisory and board service, including past leadership roles with The Summit Foundation, Rose Women's Group and Team Breckenridge Sports Club.
"Mara's wealth of knowledge working with federal, state and local governments, as well as her work with the National Governors Association, will be extremely valuable to our clients," said Ed Perlmutter, Holland & Knight partner and former U.S. congressman for Colorado's 7th District. "Her ability to bridge federal and state priorities will greatly enhance the support we provide to clients facing complex policy challenges. Mara's addition strengthens the Firm's presence in Colorado and expands our national government relations capabilities."
"I'm thrilled to join Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation team," Ms. Sheldon said. "I look forward to helping expand the Firm's state and local policy and regulation practice in Colorado and lead the Firm's federal appropriations and policy advocacy tied to Colorado and Western-state priorities. Together with the Firm's leading lobbying group in D.C., we can secure meaningful results for clients in Colorado and across the country."
Ms. Sheldon received a B.A. degree from the University of Missouri.