Sarah Graham Taylor Named Finalist for Women in Government Relations Excellence in Advocacy Award
Capitol Square Strategies is proud to announce that Sarah Graham Taylor, Vice President of Capitol Square Strategies, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Women in Government Relations (WGR) Excellence in Advocacy (EIA) Awards in the Excellence in a State Issue Campaign category for her work on Achieving CAA Licensure in Virginia. The campaign recognizes the successful effort to establish licensure for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) in Virginia and was selected as one of the finalists in a competitive national advocacy awards program.
The CAA licensure campaign brought together a coalition of advocates and government relations professionals working to advance legislation and regulatory changes that would allow CAAs to become licensed to practice in the Commonwealth. The legislation enabling this change was sponsored by Senator Mamie Locke, whose unyielding leadership and determination led to getting the bill to the governor’s desk and signed into law.
Taylor was recognized alongside Brienne Seekford of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Nicole Moore of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and Bryan Flynn and Sara Brown Vernon of McGuireWoods Consulting. WGR's Excellence in Advocacy Awards recognize advocates who demonstrate meaningful results in advancing issues, causes and organizations in the public policy arena.
“This recognition reflects the power of thoughtful, strategic advocacy and strong partnerships,” said Sarah Graham Taylor, Vice President of Capitol Square Strategies. “Achieving CAA licensure in Virginia required a collaborative effort among professional advocates, policymakers and stakeholders, in particular my colleagues representing the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists, Lauren Schmitt and Ralston King. I am proud to have played a role in this effort and grateful to everyone who worked together to make this important policy change possible.”
Taylor's recognition underscores Capitol Square Strategies' commitment to providing strategic Virginia government relations, legislative advocacy and lobbying services to clients navigating complex public policy issues. The firm works with businesses, trade associations, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and execute effective advocacy strategies before the Virginia General Assembly and state government. The recognition also highlights the firm's experienced team and its role among Virginia lobbying firms and government relations firms in Virginia focused on delivering results for clients.
The 2026 Women in Government Relations Excellence in Advocacy Awards ceremony will be held September 3, 2026, in Washington, D.C., as part of WGR's Leadership & Advocacy Conference. WGR describes the awards as a celebration of advocates who dedicate themselves to representing issues, causes and organizations in the public policy arena. Capitol Square Strategies congratulates Taylor and the entire CAA licensure campaign team on this national recognition.