Sarah Knakmuhs serves as Chief Communications and Strategy Officer at the Financial Services Forum, where she leads the organization’s communications and strategy working closely with member companies and key partners to advance a unified voice in support of policies that strengthen the U.S. financial system. 

Sarah has more than two decades of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. She joined the Forum in March 2026 from M&T Bank, where she served as the company’s first Chief Communications Officer. In her role, she oversaw enterprise-wide efforts to enhance and protect the bank’s reputation, drive business results, and strengthen engagement with employees and key stakeholders. Her work focused on delivering clear, consistent, and strategic communications during periods of growth and transformation. 

Previously, Knakmuhs opened and led the Washington, D.C., office of a major strategic communications firm, advising companies on complex public affairs and reputation challenges. In this role, she worked closely with senior executives to navigate issues at the intersection of government affairs, business, policy and public perception. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles spanning government affairs, public policy, investor relations, and brand at a Fortune 200 company. 

Knakmuhs holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Miami University.