0-5 years

John Harkins' career awards and recognitions include: "The American Legion Department of Connecticut Certificate Award as the 2009 Legislator of the Year", the 2008 Bridgeport Regional Business Council AT&T "Regional Elected Official Award", the 2004 Walter Wright "Community Spirit Award". He was State Chairman and a former Board Member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. He received the Legislator of the Year Award from ALEC in 2006. He was also the First National Chairman of the American City and County Exchange and received the "Innovative Leadership Award" from ACCE in 2016.

I have served over twenty-two years in elected office on the state and local level. I have been able to develop a vast network on both the state and local level on both sides of the aisle after serving 13 years in the statehouse and 8 years as a mayor. I have also remained active in business and with regional chambers of commerce.

John Harkins was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and has been a resident of Connecticut for over 50 years. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from The University of Tulsa in
Oklahoma in 1986. He received his SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1991.

He was the owner of Harkins Appraisal Service, Inc. for over thirty years. Living in Stratford, John Harkins has served his hometown in public office since his election to the Town Council (9th District) in 1995. As Councilman, he was Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Roosevelt Forest Commission.

In 1996 he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 120th District, comprising central Stratford, beginning his first of seven consecutive terms in the General Assembly in 1997. As a State Representative, his past leadership appointments include serving as the Deputy Minority Leader at Large, House Republican Caucus Chairman, Assistant Minority Leader, and Ranking Member to the Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Aging, and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Serving two four-year terms as Mayor since 2009, Mayor Harkins led Stratford with a steady hand. By focusing on economic development, the town has grown significantly. After decades of inaction, positive progress has been made on Sikorsky Airport and Main Street flooding, the sale and redevelopment of the Army Engine Plant, redevelopment of the Stratford Avenue corridor, Clean up of the Raymark Super Fund Site, and successfully accomplished getting the construction of a full interchange at Exit 33 off of I-95 which has begun in 2020.

A lifelong resident of Stratford, John Harkins has long been active in town affairs and civic groups: (Past President) Stratford Rotary Club, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, SaveStratford.org, and the Raymark Advisory Committee. He also served as co-chairman of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council's Regional Legislative Caucus both as a State Representative and as Mayor, and was past Chairman of the MetroCog. He has recently become a member of the Board of Trustees for The Milford Bank.

He has owned and operated Harkins Real Estate Services and Molter Government Affairs providing clients with lobbying and business development. He is presently affiliated with Rome, Smith, & Lutz Government Relations and is registered as a lobbyist in the State of Connecticut.

20+ years

Kathie began her career in government relations and policy more than 20 years ago. Combining a background in political activism and experience with the private sector allowed her to bring a unique skill set to clients looking for assistance with their governmental needs.

Throughout her time with Rome Smith & Lutz, Kathie has represented a diverse range of clients, managing their goals, planning their strategy and offering advice on implementation.

From impacting environmental policy, working for tax relief for innovation companies and helping to pass first in the nation patient protections Kathie offers broad experience and skill to all clients. She remains active in local, state and national politics.

6-10 years

I served on the staff of Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman as a senior advisor in 2018 and assisted in her end of term transition out of public office.

Prior to joining Rome Smith & Lutz, Joseph attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; majoring in Government and minoring in French. After college, Joseph pursued a law degree at Quinnipiac University School of Law. While attending law school, he worked as a legal intern with Rome Smith & Lutz during the 2013 legislative session. After graduating from law school and passing the Connecticut bar examination in 2014, Joseph joined RSL full-time and has worked with the team for five years except for taking a leave of absence in 2018 to serve in the office of Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman as a Senior Advisor.

0-5 years

U.S. Senate; U.S. House of Representatives; Illinois Department of Transportation

Before joining the firm, Greg Bales worked for U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin for more than a decade, serving as senior advisor in the Senator's government office as well as his campaign manager for his 2020 reelection. During his time with the Senator, he oversaw special projects throughout Illinois, and worked as a liaison to elected officials, businesses, community organizations, and other constituencies across the state.

Prior to joining Senator Durbin's staff, Greg worked as a policy advisor for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a staffer for former Illinois Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, and he has worked on numerous political campaigns in California, Illinois, and Indiana. Before managing Senator Durbin's recent reelection, Greg took leave to elect Illinois Congressman Sean Casten to his first term in 2018, and served as Illinois state director for Secretary Hillary Clinton's 2016 Presidential campaign.

Greg's relationships span across the state, including the Illinois Congressional delegation, the Illinois General Assembly, City of Chicago, Cook County government, and in numerous municipalities and local units of government. Greg has concentrated on infrastructure funding, economic development, and earmarks. He has worked with Illinois General Assembly leadership on legislative language to ensure millions of dollars in federal funding for election security were allocated to cybersecurity; managed multi-million-dollar campaign budgets; pitched stories and gone on the record with the media; and lobbied for state funding for public transit.

15-20 years

Member of the national council of state legislatures

11-15 years

Chris served for 5 years in the administration of former Governor Dannel P. Malloy, most recently in senior staff as the Governor's Director of Policy and Government Affairs. During that time, he has established deep relationships with state agency decision makers. Over the last 20 years, Chris has worked on numerous campaigns for statewide, state legislative, and municipal elections.

Chris re-joined Rome Smith & Lutz after serving five years in the administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, most recently as Director of Policy and Government Affairs; the Governor's chief lobbyist. In his position within the administration, Chris oversaw all policy development and implementation of executive branch policies and legislative priorities. In both of his roles previously with Rome Smith & Lutz and with the Governor's Office, Chris has developed strong relationships with hundreds of private sector leaders in the state and the region, legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle, state agency commissioners & senior staff, and municipal officials in his 18 years working in different capacities at the State Capitol.

6-10 years

James Sherwood is a senior vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting, and counsel with McGuireWoods LLP. Prior to joining the firm, he served as deputy legal counsel and ethics officer in the Illinois House of Representatives. James assists clients on a range of issues, including data privacy and security, worker classification and the gig economy, electrification of the transportation sector and the affordable housing crisis. He also counsels clients on various tax incentive programs. Most recently, he assisted an international data center client in obtaining a tax incentive for data centers located in Illinois.

As deputy legal counsel, James advised legislators on a variety of matters, including legislation that overhauled the state's energy policies, transitioned Illinois to a statewide 9-1-1 system and dealt with the increase in heroin and opiate abuse. In his role as ethics officer, James ensured members were apprised of their duties under Illinois ethics laws and regulations, and advised members to ensure compliance therewith.

James also serves as a board member on the Public Policy Committee for the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

20+ years

Volunteer Firefighter - City of Milford
Fire Commissioner City of Milford
Emergency Medical Technician (Chamberlain Ambulance)
Harbor Management Commission
Board Member - Milford Mental Health
Historic District Commission
Vice Chairman Milford's 350th Celebration Committee
Vice Chairman Founders Walk Committee
Chairman Downtown River-High Street Committee
Commissioner - Judicial Selection

Pete is a former state representative from Milford's 119th district. During his time in the legislature, he was known for building consensus around issues and his passion for constituent causes. Serving as co-chair of the Conservation and Development sub-committee of the Appropriations Committee, Vice Chair of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Environment and Transportation Committees.

Pete joined the firm after four years leading the Connecticut Pari-Mutuel Association, becoming the President of the firm in 2006. Pete has served on numerous boards and commissions and was Campaign Chair of State Comptroller Nancy Wyman's 2002 campaign. He currently serves as a Governors Appointee on the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission. Additionally, he is engaged with several charities that support children and their families battling cancer