HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Harrisburg and Steelton communities are mourning the loss of Brandon J. Flood, a prominent criminal justice reform advocate and former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, who died unexpectedly over the weekend at the age of 43.
Flood’s passing was confirmed Monday by Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, who described him as a “champion for justice” whose absence leaves “a hole in the community of Harrisburg.”
A Journey of Redemption
A Harrisburg native, Flood’s life story was marked by resilience and transformation. After serving time in prison for drug-related offenses and an unlicensed firearm conviction in the early 2000s, he rebuilt his life and entered public service. He often spoke candidly about his troubled past — beginning with marijuana use and escalating to crack cocaine dealing — as well as surviving a shooting during a robbery.
Flood served eight years behind bars before turning his experiences into a foundation for advocacy. By 2019, he was officially pardoned for his past convictions, a milestone that reinforced his belief in second chances and gave weight to his work in reform.
Public Service and Leadership
Flood built a career in government, working as a legislative assistant, senior research analyst, and later as executive director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. In April 2019, he was appointed Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons by then-Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a position he held until December 2021.
His appointment was widely praised by reform advocates, who said his personal journey gave him a unique perspective in an office dedicated to clemency and mercy. During his tenure, Flood championed initiatives to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking to rebuild their lives through pardons and record-clearing.
Although he stepped down citing philosophical differences, his time in office helped open pathways for many across the Commonwealth. He also served on the Dauphin County Prison Advisory Board and later made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2022.
Continued Advocacy
Flood’s advocacy did not end with public office. He went on to become Deputy Director of CeaseFirePA from 2022 to 2024, where he focused on gun violence prevention and responsible firearm policies. He later served as Associate Director for Workforce Development at Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
In 2022, he also founded The Lazarus Firm, LLC, a consulting company designed to support individuals with criminal records. Alongside his consulting work, he remained active as a lobbyist and reentry advisor.
Health Battles and Personal Strength
In late 2021, Flood was diagnosed with chronic heart failure and underwent a full heart transplant a month later. Despite significant health challenges, he continued his advocacy work. Friends and colleagues say his determination, loyalty, and optimism defined him.
“Brandon’s family and the community as a whole has lost a special guy,” said Harrisburg City Councilman Lamont Jones. “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.”
State Sen. Patty Kim remembered him as “passionate, inspirational, and missed in Harrisburg,” while Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz called him a “tireless advocate” whose influence uplifted entire communities.
A Lasting Legacy
Flood’s legacy is one of redemption, leadership, and service. His story — from incarceration to becoming a state official — embodied the belief that people are more than their mistakes and that redemption is possible.
At just 43 years old, his life ended far too soon, but the ripple effect of his work continues across Pennsylvania. For those he helped secure pardons, mentored, or inspired, his impact will endure for years to come.