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, chemical, critical mineral 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 helping FIFRA-regulated devices and products reach the market to assist in pandemic response.
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)
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