Clara McConnell

Clara joined Maine Street Solutions as a Government Affairs Specialist in 2019. She has a Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Macalester College.

Previously Clara spent 9 years at Good Shepherd Food Bank in various roles, including 5 years as Director of Public Affairs leading the Food Bank’s work in Government Relations and Advocacy, Communications and Marketing, and Research. She led advocacy campaigns at both the federal and state levels to protect food assistance programs for low-income Mainers, expand access to school nutrition programs for Maine kids, and secure state funding for the Food Bank’s work with Maine farmers. In addition, she has extensive experience working with Maine’s press and coordinating public relations campaigns. As a member of the Food Bank's executive leadership team, she helped chart the organization's strategic course.

At Maine Street Solutions Clara provides a wide array of clients with legislative and lobby services and offers counsel and support in the areas of public and media relations, grassroots and grasstops advocacy, and digital advocacy campaigns.

Clara grew up in Belgrade, Maine and now resides in Freeport with her son. She has served as an advisor on Maine Community Foundation’s Cumberland County Committee for the past 9 years. In her spare time, Clara enjoys exploring her home state, running, hiking, and spending time with her family.