Recent Publication:
The closure of Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, resulting in over 2,600 job losses, has prompted Pennsylvania legislators to push for bills prohibiting for-profit entities from owning hospitals.
Kevin provides comprehensive advocacy and government relations services to clients before the city of Pittsburgh and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He counsels clients on public policy matters and helps them to build relationships and successfully navigate bipartisan legislative and regulatory environments across Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Kevin understands the dynamics of the region and has developed key relationships through years of professional and volunteer experience. He also has keen strategic and operational vision, cultivated through his in-house business operations experience and educational background.
Kevin has significant experience in the emerging tech and startup industries. Before joining Cozen O’Connor, Kevin served as a regional head of public policy for Uber, directing the company’s state and local government and regulatory engagement and social impact work across Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. At Uber, Kevin successfully navigated complex, high-profile issues ranging from public transit partnerships to the growth and early public policy development for self-driving technology in Pennsylvania. Kevin has also served as a senior government relations adviser for DoorDash, guiding the company through public policy work in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Before working in the private sector, Kevin served as chief of staff to Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce A. Kraus, where he directed all legislation, communications, and community affairs for the council president.
Kevin is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he completed his B.A. magna cum laude focused in public policy & urban planning. He has also completed two executive education programs at Harvard Business School focused in business strategy & leadership. Kevin is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative, Class XXIII, and has served in a leadership capacity for several nonprofit boards and task forces in Pennsylvania.
News
December 05, 2023
Pittsburgh Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Principal Kevin Kerr was recently appointed to the Allegheny County Executive-elect Sara Innamorato’s transition team, serving on the Reliable, Modern Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee.
September 26, 2022
City & State Pennsylvania recognized Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies as one of the Top 50 firms based on 2021 revenues in the state, coming in at number two.
August 10, 2020
Kerr, who brings strong bipartisan ties within Pittsburgh’s city government and throughout Western Pennsylvania, will also play a key role in assisting the group’s growing government relations practices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
Publications
April 28, 2025
The closure of Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, resulting in over 2,600 job losses, has prompted Pennsylvania legislators to push for bills prohibiting for-profit entities from owning hospitals.
April 24, 2025
News and intelligence for professionals on the front lines of policy in Pennsylvania.
April 21, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has ordered U.S. and Commonwealth flags to be flown at half-staff across Pennsylvania in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning.
April 17, 2025
During a press conference following the opening of the Hershey Corporation’s new manufacturing plant, Governor Josh Shapiro made his first public comments since the arson at the Governor’s Residence, emphasizing the need to end political violence and expressing gratitude for the support received.
April 14, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated after a suspected arson attack on their residence early Sunday morning, prompting state and local leaders to condemn the violence and express relief for their safety.
April 10, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro warned that new tariffs could harm Pennsylvania farmers and pledged to protect them, highlighting his administration’s investments in agriculture as part of a statewide economic development plan to members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on Tuesday. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
April 07, 2025
The state Senate approved a bill imposing a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers whose fentanyl sales result in fatal overdoses.
April 03, 2025
Pennsylvania Representative Robert Matzie (D-Beaver) proposed a bill to subject all political advertising to state sales tax, aiming to generate revenue for public services and inform residents about the financial contributions of political ads. WHTM has more.
March 31, 2025
The Pennsylvania House advanced a bill earlier this month to address concerns about doctor practices and patient care by increasing oversight of the state’s medical marijuana program.
March 27, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro is challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to cancel $13 million in funding for Pennsylvania farmers who supply food banks, arguing the move is unlawful and pledging further legal action if necessary to protect farmers and ensure food access for those in need. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
March 24, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania’s Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot Program—in partnership with OpenAI and Carnegie Mellon—saved employees an average of 95 minutes per day and improved efficiency across various roles.
March 20, 2025
Pennsylvania has received around 1,100 applications from former federal employees for state jobs following an executive order by Governor Josh Shapiro (D) giving them hiring preference amid widespread federal layoffs. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
March 17, 2025
During an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, Governor Josh Shapiro criticized U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for not leveraging more concessions from Republicans in the recent government funding bill.
March 13, 2025
Top Republican lawmakers are skeptical about Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to allocate an additional $494 million to underfunded Pennsylvania school districts, questioning the fairness of the adequacy funding formula. Spotlight PA has more.
March 10, 2025
During a visit to Temple University Hospital last week, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $5 million investment to strengthen Pennsylvania’s nursing pipeline through the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program, addressing a projected shortage of 20,000 nurses. The Philadelphia Tribune has more.
March 06, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order giving hiring preference to federal employees laid off by the Trump administration, aiming to fill 5,600 Commonwealth job openings.
March 03, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their treatment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, asserting it undermines U.S. national security, emphasizing Pennsylvania’s strong ties to its Ukrainian community and the importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 27, 2025
Pennsylvania’s House Finance committee is exploring the introduction of an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to support financially constrained working families, though concerns about the program's cost remain. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 24, 2025
Pennsylvania’s emergency management and fire response agencies are grappling with potential federal funding cuts and recruitment issues, which could impact their ability to manage crises effectively. Center Square Pennsylvania has more.
February 20, 2025
Pennsylvania officials are awaiting further guidance on federal funding cuts — impacting infrastructure, energy, transit, and more — with Governor Josh Shapiro’s office suing five federal agencies over $1.2 billion in inaccessible grant funding.
February 13, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly withholding over $2 billion in federal funds from Pennsylvania, despite court orders to restore the funding.
February 10, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal to close two Pennsylvania prisons and two community corrections centers aims to save $110 million annually, citing lower incarceration rates.
February 06, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's third budget proposal aims to balance bipartisan priorities, incorporating both Republican and Democratic interests while navigating the challenges of President Donald Trump’s second term and Pennsylvania’s divided legislature.
February 04, 2025
On Tuesday, February 4, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his third annual Budget Address to a joint session of the General Assembly, where he unveiled his $51.47 billion FY26 Executive Budget — marking an approximately 7.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.
February 03, 2025
Governor Josh Shapiro's upcoming budget proposal is expected to prioritize increased funding for the state’s poorest public schools, support for public transit, and the legalization of marijuana.
January 30, 2025
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Executive Vice President Jim Davis and Managing Director Joe Hill have been recognized by City & State Pennsylvania on their 2025 list of Who’s Who in Government Relations for their impactful work in advancing clients’ objectives across Pennsylvania.
January 27, 2025
Democrats and Republicans are quickly selecting nominees for the special election on March 25 to resolve the even split in the Pennsylvania House.
January 23, 2025
State Rep. Matt Gergely (D-Allegheny) passed away last weekend, leaving the state House once again tied 101-101. A special election will be held March 25 to fill the District 35 seat, which is expected to remain in Democratic control. Rep. Gergely is remembered for his dedication to fighting for children and working families and his deep commitment to his community and family.
January 16, 2025
A council of lawmakers, university administrators, and the head of the Department of Education is exploring the benefits and challenges of tying public funding for Pennsylvania's state-related universities to their performance and students' academic outcomes. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
January 13, 2025
The Pennsylvania General Assembly has appointed new chairs for its 52 standing committees, which play a crucial role in discussing, amending, and approving legislation, impacting the state’s policy making process.
January 09, 2025
Pennsylvania lawmakers began the 2025-26 legislative session this week, with Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) reelected as House Speaker, securing the position with bipartisan support despite the chamber being evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.
May 18, 2022
Prepared by the Pennsylvania Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Team