Meet the Team
Kirin Kennedy
Founder
Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner
Public Affairs Executive | Policy Strategist | Coalition Builder
Kirin Kennedy is the Founder and Partner of KR Public Affairs, a boutique strategic lobbying and policy firm that helps organizations, coalitions, and leaders influence legislation, shape public policy, and achieve meaningful change.
With a career spanning government, advocacy, and executive leadership, Kirin has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to national nonprofits, policymakers, and corporate partners. At KR Public Affairs, she leads the firm’s portfolio in lobbying strategy, coalition development, and government relations, working across sectors to help clients navigate federal, state, and local policy environments with clarity and purpose.
Before founding KR Public Affairs, Kirin served in senior advisory roles on Capitol Hill and within major national organizations, where she directed high-profile policy initiatives and led complex advocacy campaigns. Her strategic insight and operational leadership have helped deliver major climate and economic investments, inform federal appropriations, and guide successful bipartisan negotiations.
Her thought leadership has been featured in NBC News, E&E News, and NPR, and she frequently speaks on topics related to governance, public affairs strategy, and cross-sector collaboration.
Kent Roberson
Founder
President and Founding Partner
Kent Roberson is the President and Founding Partner of KR Public Affairs, where he provides strategic government relations, public affairs, and advocacy counsel to clients navigating complex legislative, regulatory, and political environments. With more than two decades of experience in government relations, public policy, and stakeholder engagement, Kent has built a reputation for developing effective advocacy strategies and fostering meaningful relationships across government, industry, and community organizations.
Throughout his career, Kent has represented organizations on a wide range of issues, including agriculture, transportation, trade, sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental policy. His experience spans Capitol Hill, state government, and the private sector, giving him a unique understanding of the policymaking process and the ability to help clients achieve their legislative and business objectives. Prior to founding KR Public Affairs, he held senior government affairs roles with national trade associations and advocacy organizations, where he led federal and state engagement efforts.
In addition to his professional work, Kent serves as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 25. He has also served in numerous leadership positions within civic and political organizations, including the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee and Maryland's Electoral College. A committed community leader, he is an ordained Elder and Social Justice Minister at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, where he advocates for equity, service, and community engagement.
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Kent was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland, where he continues to live with his wife and three children. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Political Science from Ball State University and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary.