Our People
Marianne Radcliff
Life at Kemper
- 25 years of experience in the Commonwealth of Virginia, as a state employee, member of various state boards and as a private sector government relations professional
- Practice centers on transportation, economic development, procurement, regulatory, and state budget issues
- Represents clients primarily before executive and legislative branch agencies, boards and commissions, as well as the Virginia General Assembly
Life Before Kemper
- Assistant Secretary and Legislative Liaison in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation
- Office of the Director for the Virginia Department of Aviation handling Aviation Policy for the Commonwealth
- Graduate of Longwood University with a BS in Political Science and minors in History and Psychology and Bowling Green State University with a MPA specializing in Public Law
Professional Life
- Transition Director and Chair of the Transition Committee for Governor Ralph S. Northam, working pro bono from Election Day through Inauguration to recruit administration personnel and develop an initial policy agenda
- Eight years on the Longwood University Board of Visitors. Served twice as rector for a total of four years
- Eight years on the Virginia Aviation Board. Served seven years as Vice Chair
- Member, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
- Member, Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors
- Served on the boards of numerous Richmond based non-profit organizations
- Graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership
Life Outside of Kemper
- Has been to all 50 United States and all 13 Presidential Libraries
- Enjoys reading, especially biographies
- Loves to cheer for her daughter, a pole vaulter for Lafayette College
Marianne Radcliff
Marianne Radcliff represents clients before the Commonwealth’s executive and legislative branch agencies, boards and commissions, as well as the Virginia General Assembly. Her practice centers on transportation, economic development, procurement, regulatory, and state budget issues.
Marianne has more than 20-years of private sector experience. While with the Commonwealth of Virginia she served in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and as the Legislative Liaison for the Transportation Secretariat during the successive administrations of Governors George Allen and James S. Gilmore. In addition, she was charged with the oversight of a comprehensive regulatory review for all the agencies within the secretariat. Marianne also served in the Office of the Director at the Virginia Department of Aviation. During her tenure, she worked with federal, state and local legislative and regulatory officials to develop and further Virginia aviation policy.
In 2017 Governor-elect Ralph S. Northam appointed Marianne as the Director of his Transition and Chair of his Transition Committee. She worked pro bono from Election Day through Inauguration recruiting administration personnel and developing an initial policy agenda.
Marianne was appointed by Governor Ralph S. Northam to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in July 2019 and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Board of Directors in July 2020. She was appointed to Longwood University Board of Visitors in July 2011 by Governor Robert F. McDonnell and reappointed by Governor Terence R. McAuliffe. She served as rector of the board for two separate terms including the last two years of her service (2017-2019). She served as the Vice-Chairman of the Virginia Aviation Board to which she was appointed by Governor Mark R. Warner in July 2003 and reappointed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine in July 2007. She has also served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations.
Marianne earned her Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in public law from Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of Longwood University. She is a 1998 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.
Fred Helm
Life at Kemper
- Over 25 years of experience in Virginia state government relations
- Specific expertise in procurement strategy and administrative solutions with state agencies
- Practice focuses on financial services, health care, insurance, telecommunications, and complex legislative disputes
Life Before Kemper
- Legislative Assistant for a Congressional representative
- Law Clerk for a federal judge
- Commercial litigation attorney
Professional Life
- Recognized in Legal Elite and Best Attorneys
- Served two terms on the Virginia Lottery Board and two-years as Chair
- Licensed attorney in Virginia
Life Outside of Kemper
- Serves on the Board of the Shenandoah University
- Camping and fishing enthusiast
- Currently chasing after two teenage sons
Fred Helm
Fred Helm’s practice focuses on lobbying the General Assembly and state government procurement. Fred provides successful procurement strategies in technology, health care, insurance, contracting and other areas. He advises clients concerning state agency priorities, the State Corporation Commission, regulatory matters, and effective business approaches.
He testifies before the General Assembly and communicates well with the executive branch, using strong relationships developed over 25 years of private sector experience. Fred served as an in-house legal and procurement counsel and lead lobbyist in a large state agency.
Prior to his state government practice, Fred practiced law as a commercial litigation attorney at a large law firm. He also served as a law clerk for a federal judge and as a legislative assistant to a member of Congress.
Fred served as Chair of the Lottery Board and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Adoption. He is recognized in Virginia’s Legal Elite and Best Lawyers in Virginia. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Shenandoah University. Fred graduated from the University of Virginia and obtained his law degree from William & Mary.
Michael Edwards
Life at Kemper
- More than 30-years of state and local government relations experience in Virginia
- Practice areas include budget and finance issues, transportation, and local government
Life Before Kemper
- Deputy Director, Virginia Association of Counties
- Executive Director, Foundation for Virginia
- Deputy Executive Director, Virginia Municipal League
Professional Life
- Supported the transition teams of every Democratic governor-elect since 1990 (Wilder, Warner, Kaine, McAuliffe, and Northam)
- Previously taught graduate classes (public administration)
Life Outside of Kemper
- Former member of the Hanover County Community Services Board
- Avid golfer, and fan of the Baltimore Orioles
Michael L. Edwards
Mike Edwards has 30-years of state and local government relations experience in Virginia. Mike has extensive experience in the state budget and finance issues as well as in transportation, public safety, and local government matters.
Prior to joining Kemper Consulting in 2011, Mike was Deputy Director of one of the largest associations in Virginia, the Virginia Association of Counties. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Foundation for Virginia, a statewide not for profit advocacy group, and as the Deputy Executive Director of the Virginia Municipal League (the National League of Cities’ Virginia chapter). Mike also served as the Legislative Liaison for Arlington County.
Mike is a former member of the gubernatorial administrations of Baliles and Wilder where he served in the cabinet as a transportation policy assistant. Before joining the cabinet, he was the legislative aide to a former senior state Senator.
Mike served on the gubernatorial transition teams for Governors Ralph S. Northam, Terence R. “Terry” McAuliffe, Timothy M. Kaine, Mark R. Warner, and L. Douglas Wilder. He previously was an adjunct professor of public policy at the College of William and Mary and is a graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute.
Mike received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from James Madison University.
Joel Andrus
Life at Kemper
- Over fifteen years of state government experience in Virginia
- Practice Areas including education, healthcare, maritime, taxation, manufacturing, and budgetary issues
- Specific expertise on helping clients navigate Virginia’s Certificate of Public Need process
Life Before Kemper
- Worked in economic development with the City of Suffolk
- Graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a BA in English and minor in Philosophy
Professional Life
- Graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia
- Graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute
- Graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads
Life Outside of Kemper
- Teaches Sunday school at his local church
- Active in the VMI Alumni Association
Joel Andrus
Joel Andrus has over 15-years of state government relations experience and represents clients before the Virginia General Assembly, legislative and executive branch agencies and boards and commissions. Joel’s practice includes education, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare, including helping Kemper Consulting’s healthcare clients prepare applications and navigate Virginia’s Certificate of Public Need process.
Prior to joining the firm, Joel worked with the City of Suffolk Economic Development Department where he mainly focused on new business development and retention in the downtown area. While with the City of Suffolk, he developed and implemented marking strategies for attracting new businesses, helped local businesses understand and take advantage of the Virginia Enterprise Zone, as well as acting as a liaison between downtown businesses and historic preservation societies.
Joel graduated with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute. Currently, he is active in the VMI Alumni Association where he serves on the Board of Directors, as well as the Hampton Roads New Cadet Recruiting Chairman.
Joel volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at his local church. He also is a 2010 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, a 2015 graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads and a 2016 graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute.
Martha Trapani
Life at Kemper
- Directs client communications throughout the legislative session and event participation during the year
- Administers firm and client disbursement of political contributions
- Organizes firm-sponsored events and fundraisers
- Manages Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council annual disclosures and registrations
Life Before Kemper
- Assistant Director of Admissions at Norfolk Academy
- Provider Relations for HMOs in Richmond and Hampton Roads
- Graduate of Randolph-Macon College, BA in English
Professional Life
- Former Volunteer and Board Member for Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater
- Member of Norfolk Collegiate’s Annual Auction Committee
Life Outside of Kemper
- 757 native, extensive knowledge of the people and issues surrounding Hampton Roads
- Ski Enthusiast
- Loves cheering on her daughter in Lacrosse and Tennis
Martha Trapani
Martha Trapani provides clients with constant communication both during the General Assembly Session and during the interim. Martha provides regular legislative updates during the legislative session and routine event participation throughout the year. She also administers all firm-sponsored events and political contribution disbursements.
Martha manages all firm annual disclosures and registrations with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. Prior to joining Kemper Consulting, Martha served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Norfolk Academy. She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon College, with a bachelor’s in English. Martha currently serves on the Norfolk Collegiate Annual Auction Committee.
She is a lifelong resident of the 757, enjoys skiing, and cheering on her daughter during both Lacrosse and Tennis.
Emily O’Brion
Life at Kemper
- More than 15 years of state and federal government relations experience
- Practice areas include higher education, infrastructure, and budgetary issues
Life Before Kemper
- Director of Government Relations at Longwood University
- Infrastructure and Economic Development practice group at McGuireWoods Consulting in Richmond
- Grassroots Advocacy at the American Hospital Association in Washington, DC
- Graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in Government and Law
Professional Life
- Longwood University Planning Council Compliance Committee
- Urban Land Institute Young Leaders Group Mentorship Program graduate
Life Outside of Kemper
- A Pennsylvania native and avid college basketball fan
- Active in the PTA at her children’s Henrico County elementary school
- Serves on the Children’s Council at Reveille United Methodist Church
Emily O’Brion
Emily O’Brion has over 15 years of state and federal government relations experience and represents clients before the Virginia General Assembly, legislative and executive branch agencies and boards and commissions. Her practice includes higher education, infrastructure and budgetary matters.
Prior to joining Kemper, she was the Director of Government Relations at Longwood University for six years, where she helped develop and advocate for the university’s budget, policy, and legislative priorities and served as Longwood’s liaison to the executive and legislative branches, state agencies, and congressional offices. She previously worked for McGuireWoods Consulting, advising clients on matters related to higher education, capital projects, and the state budget.
Emily began her career in Washington, DC, working in Arnold & Porter’s public policy and legislative practice group and for the American Hospital Association’s political affairs and grassroots advocacy team.
Emily graduated from Lafayette College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Law.
Ross Grogg
Life at Kemper
- Over ten years of state government experience in Virginia
- Practice Areas including education, healthcare, alcohol, maritime, taxation, utilities, and budgetary issues
- Manages client political action committees including all filings with the State Board of Elections, the Federal Election Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service
Life Before Kemper
- Legislative Aide and Political Director to State Senator Jeff McWaters (R – Virginia Beach)
- Graduate of the College of William and Mary with a BA in Government
Professional Life
- Treasurer of the Virginia Public Access Project
- Graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia
- Graduate of the CIVIC Leadership Institute
Life Outside of Kemper
- Serves on the Pastoral Council of St. Bridget Catholic Church
- A New York native who loves the Yankees and the Rangers
Ross Grogg
Ross Grogg has over ten years of state government experience in Virginia and represents clients before the Virginia General Assembly, legislative and executive branch agencies, boards and commissions. His practice includes education, healthcare, alcohol, maritime, utilities, and budgetary issues. Ross also helps clients manage their political action committees including all necessary filings with the State Board of Elections, the Federal Election Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Ross started his full-time career in politics serving as Political Director on the successful state senate campaign for Jeff McWaters in 2009. In 2010 he was named to Aristotle’s Republican Campaign Dream Team for his work on the McWaters campaign. Ross went on to serve as the Senator’s legislative aide and then campaign manager during his reelection in 2011.
A graduate of the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in Government, Ross also graduated from the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia and the CIVIC Leadership Institute. Ross serves as Treasurer of the Virginia Public
Access Project and is a member of the Pastoral Council of St. Bridget Catholic Church. He lives in Richmond, VA with his wife and daughter.