Emily Heatwole Keeney

Emily Keeney’s government relations representation focuses primarily on clients in South Carolina. With more than a decade’s worth of experience in South Carolina’s state government, Emily is a perceptive and insightful advocate for her clients. Her strong relationships within state agencies and the legislature allow her to approach client advocacy from numerous angles.

Emily is highly experienced in processes involving state appropriations and legislation. She understands how to effectively advocate for her clients throughout every stage of an engagement.

Her prior experience also includes working as a campaign field coordinator, bridging local efforts with volunteers and national political campaigns and outside agencies and groups to foster awareness of issues and recruit volunteers.

Prior to joining Adams & Reese, Emily served as the Director of Government Affairs for the South Carolina Department of Education. In this role, she served as the liaison between the agency and South Carolina’s General Assembly, the Governor, the Congressional Delegation, other state agencies and stakeholder groups. Additionally, during the legislative session she provided public testimony during hearings, coordinated agency policy development and annually facilitated the agency budget request through the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly.