Kent Keyser Archives

Author: Kent Keyser

Kent Keyser
Public Policy Fellow

Since 2015, Kent has served as United Spinal Association’s Public Policy Fellow, concentrating on issues related to technology, transportation and research. Assisting in developing policy positions and implementing strategies on issues essential to the disability community, Kent has worked on transportation issues, with a focus on accessible automated vehicle development and deployment. Kent assists with United Spinal’s outreach and engagement initiatives with disability community stakeholders, as well as public and private sector policy makers, to advance positive change.

Prior to joining United Spinal, Kent served 37 years as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives. As Chief of Staff and Sr. Policy Advisor for former Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), Kent worked on a wide range of issues and projects, including transportation, public infrastructure, economic, community, and workforce development. Kent employed public entrepreneurship to help build consensus and create successful public/private partnerships.

In 2007, Kent sustained a C-3, C-4 incomplete spinal cord injury. He is an active volunteer in the disability community previously serving on the boards of United Spinal Association's DC Metro Chapter and the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia. He currently serves as a member of the Arlington County, Virginia, Transit Advisory Committee’s Accessibility Subcommittee.

Kent has a B.A. and M.A. in political science from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, and currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Why Wheelchair Users Deserve Better Tie-Downs Than Hope and Straps

by Kent Keyser September 8, 2025

We are building a universal wheelchair securement system.... Read more.