Sarah Godlewski: A Career in Public Service and Finance
Sarah Godlewski has built a multifaceted career spanning philanthropy, private sector investment, and high-level government administration. From managing strategic performance in local government to serving as a key financial officer for the state of Wisconsin, her trajectory reflects a consistent focus on economic development and public welfare.
Professional Foundations and Philanthropy
Before entering elected office, Godlewski established a diverse professional background. She worked in philanthropy, focusing on critical global issues such as public health and education reform in Uganda. Her private sector experience includes a tenure from 2004 to 2012 with the defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton.
Between 2012 and 2016, she served as the director of the Office of Strategy and Performance for Arapahoe County, Colorado. During this period, she contributed to the Joint Task Force on Veterans with PTSD, providing strategic recommendations to the United States Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In 2015, Godlewski co-founded MaSa Impact, an investment firm, with her husband Max Duckworth. The couple first met in 2013 while serving on a regional volunteer board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Godlewski's commitment to service extended to several boards, including the Arlington Academy of Hope, George Mason University's School of Visual and Performance Arts, mOm Incubators, and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, where she chaired the Advocacy Committee. She has also been an investor with WE Capital.
Godlewski's entry into national political organizing occurred in 2016 when she served as the director of Women's Outreach for Wisconsin for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
Tenure as Wisconsin State Treasurer (2019–2023)
Godlewski's transition to state-level politics began in 2018. She first led a successful coalition to oppose a ballot measure that sought to remove the state treasurer's office from the Wisconsin Constitution; voters rejected the amendment by 62%.
Following this victory, Godlewski ran for State Treasurer. She won a three-way primary with 43.5% of the vote and subsequently won the general election with 50.9% of the vote, defeating Republican Travis Hartwig. Her victory was notable for flipping nine counties that had previously voted for Donald Trump in 2016.
Administrative Achievements and Policy Initiatives
Upon taking office, Godlewski addressed a Legislative Reference Bureau memo that highlighted 16 neglected responsibilities of the treasurer's office. Her term was marked by several key initiatives:
- Board of Commissioners of Public Lands: As chairwoman, she led the board to lift a GOP-mandated gag order that had prevented staff from discussing the material risks of climate change regarding state investments.
- Education Funding: She released $5.25 million for virtual learning and a record $38.2 million for public school libraries.
- Retirement Planning: In collaboration with Governor Tony Evers, she established a Retirement Task Force in 2019. By February 2021, the task force proposed five major initiatives: WisconsinSaves, 401(K)ids, Emergency Savings, Incentivize Participation, and an Interactive E-Commerce Portal.
- Homeowner Support: She created the Treasurer's Homeowners Task Force in March 2020.
U.S. Senate Bid and Transition
In April 2021, Godlewski announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, receiving an endorsement from EMILY's List, a PAC dedicated to electing pro-choice women. During the campaign, she faced scrutiny regarding investments in 14 pharmaceutical companies. Her campaign clarified that these stocks were sold by early 2022 and that she was not involved in the routine management of those investments.
Godlewski withdrew from the Senate race in July 2022 and endorsed Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Because she withdrew after the deadline to file for re-election as treasurer, her term ended in January 2023.
Secretary of State and Future Aspirations
On March 17, 2023, Governor Tony Evers appointed Godlewski as the Secretary of State of Wisconsin to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Doug La Follette. She is serving the remainder of the term, which expires in January 2027.
Looking toward the future, Godlewski announced in July 2025 that she is running for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Secretary of State of Wisconsin (appointed 2023).
- Previous Major Office: Wisconsin State Treasurer (2019–2023).
- Investment Experience: Co-founder of MaSa Impact.
- Education Focus: Allocated $38.2 million to public school libraries as Board Chair.
- Political Milestone: Flipped nine Trump-voting counties during her 2018 treasurer run.
| Period | Role/Organization | Key Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2012 | Booz Allen Hamilton | Defense contracting |
| 2012–2016 | Arapahoe County, CO | Director of Strategy and Performance |
| 2015–Present | MaSa Impact | Co-founder of investment firm |
| 2019–2023 | Wisconsin State Treasurer | Retirement Task Force & Library Funding |
| 2023–Present | Wisconsin Secretary of State | Appointed by Governor Tony Evers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sarah Godlewski become the Secretary of State of Wisconsin?
She was appointed by Governor Tony Evers in March 2023 to serve the remainder of Doug La Follette's term following his retirement.
What was Godlewski's impact as State Treasurer?
She focused on updating neglected office responsibilities, funding public school libraries, and creating a Retirement Task Force to expand investment options for Wisconsin residents.
What is MaSa Impact?
MaSa Impact is an investment firm co-founded by Sarah Godlewski and her husband, Max Duckworth, in 2015.
Why did Sarah Godlewski leave the 2022 U.S. Senate race?
She dropped out of the race in July 2022 prior to the Democratic primary and endorsed Mandela Barnes.
What is Godlewski's current political goal?
As of July 2025, she has announced her candidacy for the position of Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election.