About the Office of Federal and State Relations
The Office of Federal and State Relations works with faculty and staff to identify issues and opportunities of interest to the University. We work with peer institutions to advocate for federal and state policies that support Yale’s educational, research, and service missions. We also assist in the interpretation and implementation of federal and state rules and mandates. The Office also provides advice to faculty and staff about ethics rules concerning lobbying, visits by government officials, and participation in political activities. We look forward to working with you.
Richard Jacob
Associate Vice President for Federal and State Relations
richard.jacob@yale.edu
Rich Jacob has been at Yale since January, 1995; previously he was the special assistant to the Dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine and an analyst and branch chief in the White House Office of Management and Budget. He holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Oberlin College.
Sarah Shapiro
Director of Federal Relations
sarah.h.shapiro@yale.edu
Prior to joining the University, Sarah worked in the U.S. Senate advising on education and health care issues for Senator Gary Peters. She was also a Legislative Director in the House of Representatives and a legislative aide for Senator Chris Murphy. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Jillian Jackson
Associate Director for State Relations
jillian.jackson@yale.edu
Prior to joining the University, Jillian worked at Murtha Cullina as a government relations associate for three years. In that role, Jillian represented numerous higher education institutes and associations across the state to raise issues of concern to members of the legislature, and represent higher education issues. Jillian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Amy Shaw
Senior Administrative Assistant
amy.shaw@yale.edu
Prior to joining the University in March 2024, Amy served as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the Del Norte County Unified School District and Del Norte County Office of Education. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.