Sara Jane Smallwood-Cocke currently serves as a Senior Government Relations Strategist and Promise Zone Coordinator at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, focusing on partnership building and advocacy to enhance investment in southeastern Oklahoma. Previous roles include serving as a Policy Analyst, where responsibilities included researching public policy issues and developing governmental advocacy strategies. Academic credentials include a Master of Public Affairs in Local Government Management from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and American Indian Studies from Oklahoma State University. Additional experience encompasses a range of positions in both governmental and non-profit sectors, including roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Association of Conservation Districts.