0-5 years

Previously appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Governor's designee Chair for the Texas Bond Review Board.

14. Ky's experience in Texas government is notable, previously serving as State Budget Director for Governor Abbott, as well as serving as the Governor's designee Chair for the Texas Bond Review Board. Before his time in the Governor's office, Ky spent the better part of two decades in the Texas House of Representatives serving as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for former State Representative Jim Keffer. As Chief of Staff for then-Representative Keffer, Ky also served as Chief Clerk for several Texas House committees, including Ways and Means, Energy Resources, Economic Development and the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief.

A proven strategist and passionate advocate for his clients, Ky Ash has more than twenty years of experience working in the Texas Legislature and executive branch of Texas state government. Ky's work covers all major policy areas, with a particular emphasis in budget, economic development, energy and tax policy matters.

Known as a mover and shaker around Austin, Texas Energy Report noted that Ky is, "well known in the Capitol for his expertise in energy, taxes and budgeting."

With an innate sense for the economics of business and armed with deep industry knowledge, Ky is sought out by a wide range of companies and organizations across the State. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and businesses engaged in matters related to e-commerce, higher education, healthcare, information technology, transportation, energy, electricity, telecommunications, public safety and manufacturing.

Ky's experience in Texas government is notable, previously serving as State Budget Director for Governor Abbott, as well as serving as the Governor's designee Chair for the Texas Bond Review Board.

Before his time in the Governor's office, Ky spent the better part of two decades in the Texas House of Representatives serving as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for former State Representative Jim Keffer. As Chief of Staff for then-Representative Keffer, Ky also served as Chief Clerk for several Texas House committees, including Ways and Means, Energy Resources, Economic Development and the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief.

Prior to joining HBS, Ky served as Government Affairs Advisor at K&L Gates.

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

11-15 years

Past president of Association of Connecticut Lobbyists

Featured presenter at the CT Lobbying Conference on "Lobbying the Executive Branch" the past four years.

2019 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40

Over ten years of municipal land use experience on Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as point person for the CT Conference of Municipalities on Energy, Labor and Zoning topics.

13 years of experience in contract lobbying; three years of experience in state and municipal government.

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.