By Luca Filigenzi, Staff Writer

On March 26, 2024, Hamilton County Auditor and Xavier Alum Brigid Kelly passed away at the age of 40. Her passing is a deep loss for the Xavier community — in particular many of our Philosophy, Politics and the Public (PPP) students, current and former, who worked closely with her on campaigns and other government-based activities. 

Kelly was born on April 21, 1983 in Norwood. After graduating with a bachelor’s from Xavier and a Master’s from the University of Cincinnati, she was elected to Norwood Council in 2006. In 2016, she was elected to Ohio’s House of Representatives and served there until 2022, additionally serving as the House’s minority whip. In 2022, she was elected Hamilton County Auditor, where she served with skill and pride until she resigned to focus on her health. Kelly passed away a week after resigning, her cause of death listed as esophageal cancer. 

Following her passing, Director of Government Affairs Sean Rhiney, who had previously worked with Kelly, stated that “PPP has a close connection to Brigid through our many alumni she counted as friends.” 

“Today (April 4) at Xavier, the university supported the family’s wish that those attending her funeral wear her signature ‘Kelly green.’ Both Clocktower and Cintas have been lit green in her honor, and flags on campus were lowered, as per Governor DeWine’s order,” Rhiney said. 

One Xavier student who worked on Kelly’s campaign for county auditor is junior PPP major Alyssa Blandford, who remembers Kelly as “a dedicated public servant.”

“I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to work for her in the fall of 2022… Brigid’s work speaks for itself: throughout her decorated career in public service, she was devoted, intentional, and constantly looking out for those she served….The passing of Brigid Kelly at such a young age is a huge loss for the Xavier Community, Hamilton County, the State of Ohio, and all others who she touched in her life,” Blandford said. 

Kelly is also remembered by current Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and friend Pavan Parikh.

“We worked closely together to bring College Democrats to life during the early years of the Bush Presidency when Ohio was at the center of the national political landscape,” Parikh said. “We were able to support each other as we both charted our own paths….as a local girl, she was a tireless advocate for Norwood.” 

Brigid Kelly’s legacy will be remembered by her unwavering commitment to public service.