Meet Our Leadership Team
Jessica McClain
Executive Assistant to the Regional Counsel
Jessica McClain was born and raised throughout Florida. She has over 15 years’ experience in Florida politics. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University.
Heidi Kemph
Chief Assistant Regional Counsel
Heidi Kemph received her law degree from Mercer University, Walter F. George College of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. Throughout her career she has focused her work in the area of juvenile dependency law and is committed to protecting the rights of parents and children. She has served as an attorney for the Department of Children and Families, a Guardian Ad Litem attorney and as an Assistant Regional Counsel representing parents for RC1 in the 3rd Circuit of Florida. It was there that Heidi was promoted to the director of RC1’s 3rd circuit office. Heidi also served as a felony criminal trial attorney for RC1 clients in the 3rd circuit and has handled civil and criminal matters in every county of the 3rd circuit. Heidi was recognized as the Third Circuit Attorney Ad Litem of the Year for 2016-2017. She has been appointed by The Florida Bar to serve on the Juvenile Rules Committee and Legal Needs of Children Committee. In 2024, Heidi served as the Deputy Director for a large legal aid organization in North Central Florida before returning to RC1 in 2025 to take on the role as Chief Assistant. Heidi’s experience in virtually all types of cases handled by RC1 together with her experience in leadership at a legal aid organization gives her the unique qualifications needed to support the very important work done by the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel.
Bryant Frye
Chief Investigator
Bryant served in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Trenton High School in 1989. After leaving the military, he graduated from Santa Fe College in 1996 and has been a sworn law enforcement officer for over 20 years with both the Gilchrist and Levy County Sheriff’s Offices. His law enforcement career includes experience as a Deputy Sheriff, School Resource Officer, and Investigator. He has had extensive specialized training including the FBI Florida Executive Development Seminar and has earned numerous certifications. In addition to his law enforcement experience, he worked to support military veterans as the Local Veteran’s Employment Representative in the Department of Economic Opportunity’s Lake City Career Source Office before joining RC1 in 2015 as an Investigator. Bryant has been very active in his community, raising funds for and serving on multiple non-profit boards including but not limited to For Vets, Suwannee Valley League Youth Sports, and the Trenton High School Alumni Association. He was recognized by the Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce as their 2020 Citizen of the Year.
Karen S. Hood
Administrative Services Director
Karen S. Hood is the Administrative Services Director for RC1. She began her career with the State of Florida in 2007 when she was hired as an Administrative Assistant. Karen was promoted to Financial Services Director before ultimately becoming head of Administrative Services. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Flagler College in 2008. She is a native of Tallahassee, and lives there with her husband and their two sons. In 2023 she became a member of the Board of Directors for Northwest Leon Little League and is currently serving as the Vice President. In her spare time, Karen enjoys watching her sons play baseball, gardening, listening to music, bass fishing, and spending time with her friends and family.