Sarah Warren

Entrepreneur

Sarah Warren is an entrepreneur based in Tallahassee, Florida, with over a decade of experience as a practicing attorney. Throughout her legal career, she specialized in public finance, offering strategic legal counsel to local governments and special taxing districts. Her expertise in bond financing and infrastructure development made her a sought-after advisor, known for her practical legal solutions and sound business judgment. Though she no longer practices law, she now focuses on independent business ventures with her husband, Gabe, drawing on the vast knowledge and skills she developed throughout her legal career. Her ability to bridge the worlds of law and business continues to shape her entrepreneurial journey.

Born and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Sarah's early years were marked by academic success and leadership. She attended Aspen High School, where she earned recognition as a member of the National Honor Society, underscoring her dedication to excellence in both academics and community involvement. After graduating in 2002, she pursued her undergraduate studies at Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communications and graduated cum laude in 2006. In addition to excelling academically, she was a dedicated member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, where she held multiple leadership roles, including serving as chapter president. These early leadership experiences prepared her for the challenges she would later face in both her legal career and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Driven by her passion for law, Warren continued her education at Vanderbilt University Law School (VULS) in Nashville, Tennessee, earning her Juris Doctor (J.D.) in May 2010. During her time at Vanderbilt, she sharpened her legal skills by serving as an Associate Editor for the university's Environmental Journal and participating in the International Law Practice Clinic. These roles provided her with valuable hands-on experience in legal research and advisory services, preparing her for a successful career in public finance. This period of rigorous academic and practical training laid the foundation for her expertise in legal representation and government advisory work.

After law school, Sarah's career path briefly led her outside the legal field to American Express, where she began working in corporate account business development in 2011. She quickly distinguished herself in this role, earning recognition as both a top-ranked rookie and a top-performing business development manager. The skills she gained in corporate strategy, client relations, and negotiation complemented her legal background, ultimately enhancing her effectiveness as a public finance attorney. Her experience at American Express also gave her a broader perspective on business, which she would later incorporate into her entrepreneurial pursuits.

In 2013, Sarah Warren returned to the legal profession, accepting a role with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Office of the General Counsel. In this position, she focused on community planning and strategic business development, gaining significant insight into government operations and regulatory frameworks. This experience deepened her understanding of public policy and equipped her with the knowledge required to specialize in public finance and infrastructure development. The role proved to be instrumental in building the expertise she would later apply to her work with special districts across Florida.

By 2014, Warren had joined the law firm Hopping Green & Sams, P.A., where she became a shareholder and worked within the firm's Special District practice group. Her legal practice centered on advising real estate developers, community development districts, and other special districts on public infrastructure projects. She played a crucial role in helping clients secure financing for the construction of essential infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and stormwater systems. As Issuer's Counsel, she guided clients through the complexities of bond issuance, ensuring the successful financing of large-scale development projects across the state. Her practical legal solutions and attention to detail made her a trusted advisor in the field of public finance.

Sarah's expertise in public finance expanded further during her time at Hopping Green & Sams, where she advised on various financing strategies, including the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. She also served as counsel to underwriters of these bonds, ensuring compliance with federal securities laws and preparing offering documents. In addition, she provided legal support for public bidding processes and oversaw the construction of public infrastructure projects, enabling communities to grow through well-funded developments. Her ability to navigate the intricate relationship between law, finance, and infrastructure positioned her as a leader in public finance law.

In January 2022, Warren joined Bryant Miller Olive P.A. (BMO), a law firm with a strong focus on public finance. At BMO, she continued her work advising local government clients on bond issuance and other public finance transactions. She collaborated closely with industry leaders, including underwriters and financial advisors, to develop effective financing solutions that met the needs of both public entities and private stakeholders. Her deep understanding of public finance, combined with her collaborative approach, enabled her to deliver successful financial outcomes for her clients.

Throughout her career, Sarah Warren has remained actively involved in professional and community organizations. She has been a dedicated member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), contributing to its Women's Leadership Initiative and participating in the Young Leaders Group. In addition to volunteering with ULI's Urban Plan educational program, she has shared her knowledge through mentorship and continuing education programs, demonstrating her commitment to helping others succeed in their professional journeys.

Beyond her professional achievements, Warren is also an avid equestrian. She began riding horses at the age of six and went on to compete in national horse show circuits. During her time at Rollins College, she co-founded the Rollins College Equestrian Team and served as its president during her sophomore and junior years. Even today, she continues to enjoy spending time in the saddle, staying connected to her passion for riding.

In her personal life, Sarah also embraces other outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. She maintains a love for reading and creative writing, interests that stem from her background in English. Throughout her education and career, she has participated in various professional writing and research projects, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and passion for lifelong learning.

Sarah Warren's journey from law to entrepreneurship reflects her ability to adapt, grow, and excel in new environments. Whether advising on multi-million-dollar bond transactions or building new business ventures, she brings the same level of dedication, insight, and strategic thinking to every endeavor. With her unique combination of legal expertise, business acumen, and passion for mentorship, she continues to make an impact both professionally and personally, setting the stage for future successes in her entrepreneurial journey.

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