Senior Executive Advocate Dies After Long Illness

This story has been updated.

William L. Bransford, general counsel of the organization representing career senior executives, died Friday after a long illness.

Bransford, known as Bill, was well-known in the federal community, through his work at the Senior Executives Association and as partner of the law firm Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C.

He was 66.

“Bill’s contribution to SEA’s legislative achievements has been exceptional and his wise counsel invaluable,” said SEA President Carol Bonosaro, in a statement. “He was deeply committed to fairness and respect for federal employees in general and career executives in particular.” Bransford, whose area of expertise was in federal employment and labor law, had served as the association’s general counsel since 2000.

A former senior attorney at the Internal Revenue Service before joining Shaw Bransford & Roth in 1983, Bransford “firmly believed in the value of the career leadership corps to a strong, effective government,” Bonosaro said.

Law firm partner Debra Roth called Bransford a “great mentor to every attorney and employee who walked through the door” as well as a “true friend to federal employees.” Bransford, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a law degree from Cleveland State University and a master of laws in labor laws from Georgetown University, “practiced law like a gentleman,” Roth said in a statement. “He perfected the art of zealousness for his clients, while practicing with the utmost civility and respect for the process.”

A frequent lecturer and adjunct professor of The George Washington University, he also was a valuable source of information to reporters on many topics, ranging from the complexities of the federal pay system to legislative maneuverings on Capitol Hill.

“There is only one Bill Bransford,” Roth said. “He is irreplaceable and he will be deeply missed.”

The viewing will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at De Vol Funeral Home, 2222 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, D.C. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3513 N Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

In lieu of flowers, Bill's family requests donations be made to the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund.