With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of law, public policy, and economic development, Kea Sherman serves as Senior Counsel, advising institutional clients on federal policy, government relations, economic development, and strategic initiatives before Congress and federal agencies. Known for her bipartisan approach and strategic insight, Kea helps clients secure federal funding, advance complex policy priorities, and navigate government processes across the energy and natural resources, defense, health sciences, infrastructure, and maritime sectors. Her work also includes helping universities and research institutions build strategic partnerships with industry, identify collaborative research opportunities, and position projects for federal support, particularly in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Kea rejoins Van Ness Feldman after serving as Vice President of Customer Service and Economic Development at Entergy New Orleans, where she oversaw the company’s integrated customer experience, market-growth agenda, and strategic economic development initiatives. She worked closely with NASA, city and state officials, and other stakeholders to elevate economic development opportunities and advocate for federal infrastructure funding in New Orleans.
Earlier in her career, Kea developed extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, and litigation. She has served as general counsel to Louisiana companies and as a civil litigation attorney, providing her with a unique perspective that combines legal strategy, business objectives, and public policy. She also has extensive experience working with government and political organizations, including founding two statewide organizations focused on increasing female representation in Louisiana government. In 2019, she ran a competitive campaign for the Louisiana House of Representatives, advancing to a runoff election and building a broad coalition of support.
Kea has held numerous leadership positions in state and local government. She was appointed by the New Orleans City Council to serve on the Industrial Development Board, where she was elected Vice President and advanced initiatives supporting job creation and economic growth. In 2017, Governor John Bel Edwards appointed her to the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission. Most recently, she served as a Policy Committee Member on Mayor-elect Helena Moreno’s transition team through New Direction New Orleans, contributing to public safety policy recommendations and strategic planning for the incoming administration.
Kea remains active in civic and nonprofit leadership. She is Past President of the Clover (formerly Kingsley House) Board of Directors, where she championed increased access to early childhood education and strengthened services for working families.