We mourn the loss of our longtime friend and colleague Kevin Kane, who passed away on October 27, 2016.

In 2008, Kevin did what few are willing to risk. Taking a leap of faith, he left his job as an attorney in Manhattan and pursued a passion to make a difference in Louisiana. A graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University School of Law, Kevin loved New Orleans and chose to move his family back despite the city still being devastated from Hurricane Katrina. He successfully launched the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, becoming part of the state’s rebuilding effort.

Kevin’s quiet resolve set him apart. Where others saw disarray and looked for government answers, he was determined to create new opportunities, outside of government dependency, for the neediest in a post-Katrina milieu. For those of us who passed through New Orleans, Kevin and his wife, Lesley, were quick to serve as hosts, providing many with the opportunity to understand the state better. He was especially proud of Pelican’s progress in advancing criminal justice reform. Kevin also served as a fellow of the Loyola Institute of Politics and was a trustee of the Choice Foundation, which operates two charter schools established after Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana is a better place because of Kevin’s leadership at Pelican. Kevin took steps to secure a succession plan at Pelican so that the organization could continue advancing its mission of helping every Louisianan thrive.

Part of the strength of this state think tank network is that we flourish together. As a network of peers, we learn from and lean on each other. The loss of one of our own affects us all. We will miss Kevin deeply, and our thoughts and prayers are with Lesley, his family, and his many friends.

Sincerely,

Tracie Sharp
President of State Policy Network

Authored by: James Pinedo

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