Brandon W. Kirkham
Principal - Faegre Drinker Consulting
Overview
Brandon Kirkham helps clients advance their agendas through integrated public policy strategy and government advocacy. Drawing from two decades at the intersection of highly regulated businesses and government, Brandon partners with clients of varying size and complexity and across industries to develop and implement advocacy strategies that effectively assist clients in responding to legislative and regulatory challenges. He provides strategic advocacy on a broad range of policies of impact across the economy with significant experience assisting clients in managing energy, environment and climate change policy, regulations and permitting. He is engaged on behalf of traditional energy, low carbon and renewable fuels, chemical, food and agribusiness, manufacturing, medical device and other clients, including providing immediate assistance with the CARES Act and its popular Paycheck Protection Program.
Government Affairs Experience
Brandon spent over 15 years as a leader in government affairs with Marathon Oil Corporation. From 2013 to 2017, he ran the Washington office and was the lead advocate to Congress, the executive branch, regulatory agencies and international government representatives. He managed a cross-functional team to align government relations strategies with business priorities and worked to identify, anticipate and adjust for heightened environmental regulatory requirements. This team was responsible for developing the company’s first statement on climate change and for developing public policy sections of its sustainability reports. It also led an effort in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management to remove invasive plant species in Western Colorado.
Brandon’s government affairs experience includes development and effective management of strategic resources, including PACs, trade associations, grassroots, public relations, coalitions, traditional and social media, government-to-government and direct lobbying engagement at local, state, federal and international levels.
In 2017, Brandon founded Four Rivers Consulting, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy firm. He now brings his comprehensive experience and unique approach to Faegre Drinker Consulting.
Brandon is a consulting professional within Faegre Drinker Consulting, and does not act as a lawyer for clients. Learn more about the Faegre Drinker Consulting practice.
Services & Industries
Credentials
Education
Georgetown University/ESADE Business School
Global Advanced Management Program (2013)
George Washington University
M.A. in Government Relations (2003)
Murray State University
B.A. in Political Science (2000)
Experience
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2020 1 min readUranium Mining Company Petitions for Relief from Foreign ImportsGovernment and Regulatory Affairs Lobbying and Public Policy Health and Biosciences Consulting Environment and Energy
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2020 1 min readIndependent Oil and Gas Company Engages to Improve Regulatory FrameworkHealth and Biosciences Consulting Government and Regulatory Affairs Environment and Energy
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2019 1 min readFood Company Facing Regulatory Uncertainty Seeks Legislative SolutionFood & Agribusiness Food and Beverage Government and Regulatory Affairs Lobbying and Public Policy Health and Biosciences Consulting
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2019 1 min readCoal Mining Company Receives Advice on Waters of the United States (WOTUS) RegulationsHealth and Biosciences Consulting Government and Regulatory Affairs Environment and Energy
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1 min readRecognition of Forest Biomass as Carbon NeutralGovernment and Regulatory Affairs Lobbying and Public Policy Health and Biosciences Consulting Environment and Energy
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- API International and Corporate Issues Committee — Former chairman
- Producers for American Crude Oil Exports — Founding Management Committee member
- Kentucky Society of Washington — Former president
- Murray State University — Regent and Alumni Association Board (past member)
Civic Activities
- Faegre Baker Daniels PAC — Chairman
- Louisa Swain Foundation — Chairman