The Harrisburg and Steelton communities are mourning the loss of Brandon J. Flood, a respected policy leader, reform advocate, and beloved friend, who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend at the age of 43.
Brandon Flood, former Pa. board of pardons secretary,
Flood, who served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons from 2019 to 2021, left behind a remarkable legacy of resilience, redemption, and service to others.
His passing was announced Monday by Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who praised Flood as a “champion for justice” and said his absence leaves “a hole in the community of Harrisburg.”
A Story of Redemption and Leadership
Brandon Flood’s life story was one of transformation. A native of Harrisburg, he endured struggles in his early years, including arrests for drug dealing and carrying an unlicensed firearm that led to eight years in state prison between 2000 and 2010.
Flood himself shared candidly how his path began in middle school when he started selling marijuana, which escalated into dealing crack cocaine. He also survived being shot three times during a robbery. Yet, rather than allowing these experiences to define him, Flood reshaped his life after incarceration.
He pursued opportunities in public service and policy work, ultimately becoming a powerful advocate for criminal justice reform and second chances. His journey from incarceration to leadership was widely recognized as a testament to the possibilities of redemption.
Flood went on to serve in various roles in state government, including legislative assistant, senior research analyst, and executive director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. In 2019, he was officially pardoned for his past convictions, further solidifying his commitment to showing that change was possible.
Service in Public Office
Appointed in April 2019 by then-Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, Flood became Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, where he worked until December 2021.
His appointment was lauded by criminal justice reform advocates across the Commonwealth, many noting that his personal story gave unique perspective to an office dedicated to mercy, clemency, and second chances.
Flood cited philosophical differences when he stepped down in late 2021, but his work during those years opened doors for countless Pennsylvanians seeking to clear their records and rebuild their lives.
In addition to his role on the Board of Pardons, Flood also served on the Dauphin County Prison Advisory Board from 2020 to 2021 and made an attempt to secure the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2022. While unsuccessful, his campaign reflected his passion for expanding his advocacy to broader state leadership.
Continued Advocacy and Professional Work
After leaving the Board of Pardons, Flood continued his efforts in workforce reintegration and gun violence prevention. He became Deputy Director of CeaseFirePA from 2022 to 2024, where he advocated for responsible gun laws and community safety.
He later worked in Philadelphia as Associate Director for Workforce Development at the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, where he helped individuals with criminal records find stability and employment.
In 2022, he also founded The Lazarus Firm, LLC, a consulting business designed to provide affordable administrative support for people with criminal histories. He was also self-employed as a lobbyist and reentry consultant, continuing to use his expertise to guide and uplift others.
A Fighter, Friend, and Father
Flood was diagnosed with chronic heart failure in November 2021, a condition that led to a full heart transplant just one month later. Despite health challenges, he continued his work and advocacy with determination and courage. Friends describe him as a fighter, a loyal friend, and someone who consistently created opportunities for others.
Harrisburg City Councilman Lamont Jones, a longtime friend, said: “Brandon’s family and the community as a whole has lost a special guy. He definitely was a fighter, a conduit, a loyal friend, a good father and a good person overall. He would be in the rooms a lot of the community couldn’t get into and got good outcomes for things needed in the community. He will be deeply missed.”
Other leaders echoed similar sentiments. State Sen. Patty Kim praised Flood’s work in prison reform and expanding access to pardons, calling him “passionate, inspirational, and missed in Harrisburg.” Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz remembered him as a “tireless advocate” whose encouragement and partnership uplifted entire communities.
Legacy of Impact
Flood’s legacy will be remembered as one of transformation and service. He lived a story that embodied the very principles he fought for: that people are more than their mistakes, that redemption is possible, and that communities are stronger when everyone has the chance to succeed.
At just 43, his life was cut tragically short, but the ripple of his work continues across Pennsylvania. From those he helped secure pardons to those he mentored, his impact is enduring.
