With a passion for effective advocacy and a deep understanding of the intricate workings of government, Kea Sherman is a dedicated advocate for the firm’s government relations clients. Drawing upon her years of experience and comprehensive knowledge of policy and legislation, Kea works tirelessly to shape meaningful change for clients in a rapidly evolving political landscape, including issues related to our nation’s ports, waterways, maritime interests, infrastructure, and the transition to clean energy.

As a skilled communicator and strategist, Kea excels in building strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring her clients' voices are heard at every level of government. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and craft compelling narratives has resulted in successful outcomes for the natural resources and energy industries.

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Kea honed her expertise through roles in public affairs and government relations, including running for the Louisiana Legislature in 2019 and founding two statewide political organizations, Emerge Louisiana, and Les Femmes PAC, both dedicated to advancing female representation in Louisiana government. These experiences, combined with nearly two decades serving as general counsel to companies in Louisiana and as a civil litigation attorney, have helped solidify her reputation as a trusted advocate and advisor.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kea remains actively engaged in community initiatives and policy discussions, including serving on nonprofit and government appointed boards and commissions. Passionate about increasing access to early childhood education, Kea proudly serves on the Executive Committee of the Clover (formerly Kingsley House) Board of Directors and as the organization’s President-elect. After being appointed by the New Orleans City Council to the Industrial Development Board (IDB), Kea was elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as Vice President. In 2017, Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Kea to serve as a Commissioner on the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission.

Kea resides in New Orleans with her husband, Neal Bodenheimer, their daughter, Hayden, and their puppy Wolfe, where she enjoys interior design, cooking, tennis, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

  • Experience
    • Appointed by the New Orleans City Council to serve as a Commissioner on the Industrial Development Board, a Louisiana nonprofit corporation that promotes the retention, expansion, and attraction of business and commercial enterprises in Orleans Parish.
    • Elected to represent Council District B in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
    • Ran for Louisiana House District 98 delegate, resulting in a runoff.
    • Founded, chaired, and operated Louisiana state political action committee that endorsed and provided financial support to Democratic women running for state and local office in Louisiana.
    • Chair-elect – Appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission, representing the small business community.
    • Co-founded and served on the inaugural Board of Directors of the Louisiana affiliate of Emerge America, a national political organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office.
    • Served as liaison to the Texas Commissioner of Education for all issues related to the Texas public school system’s assimilation of displaced students from Louisiana caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita; Coordinated efforts between TEA and the Regional Directors.
  • Professional Affiliations

    Clover (Formerly Kingsley House), President-elect and Board of Directors

    New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Member

    Louisiana Association for Justice, Past Member

    Dress for Success New Orleans, Past Board Member

    Travelers Aid Society of GNO, Past Board Member

    New Freret Business Association, Past Board Member

    Texas Children’s Hospital, Patient Pal and Infant Care Volunteer

  • Awards & Honors

    Super Lawyers Top Rated Attorney: Energy & Natural Resources, Business/Corporate, Environmental Litigation, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, 2020-2024

    Kingsley House Stern Award Recipient, 2021

    2016 Inside New Orleans, Women in Business

    Super Lawyers Rising Star 2014-2016

  • Bar & Court Admissions
    Louisiana State Bar
    United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
    United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
  • Government Service

    Vice President of the Industrial Development Board of the City of New Orleans, Inc.

    Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee – New Orleans, Louisiana | July 2020 – Present

    Elected to represent Council District B in Orleans Parish

    State Commissioner Louisiana Environmental Education Commission

  • News & Presentations
  • Thought Leadership

Education

Loyola University Institute of Politics, Fellowship in Politics and Leadership Development, 2014

South Texas College of Law J.D., 2004

Louisiana State University Law School Civil Law 2004

Durham University International Law, European Union Law, and Comparative Politics

University of Louisiana B.A., Political Science, 1999