860-560-0000
287 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, Consumer Protection, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Links:LinkedIn
"We've been nationally recognized for our integrated public relations/government relations services as well as leveraging social media to impact government actions; we set the tone for building a prosperous future for our clients. Any problem can be solved and any issue can be resolved with strategic thinking and bringing the right people to the table. That is our culture at Sullivan & LeShane."
2) AccentCare
3) Adobe, Inc.
4) American Medical Response of CT, Inc.
5) Association of Social Work Boards
6) Atrium LLC
10) BrightPath
11) Brooker Memorial
13) CCA Analytics
14) Churchill Downs Incorporated
16) Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
17) Commercial Services Realty - BT2008 LLC
19) Connecticut Creditor Bar Association, Inc.
20) CT Coalition to End Homelessness
24) CT-NAELA Chapter
25) Environmental Litigation Group PC
26) EverDriven
29) International Bottled Water Association
30) Johnson Controls
33) Lyft, Inc.
35) New England Science & Sailing Foundation
37) NRG Energy, Inc.
38) Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling
40) Payactiv
41) Plastics Industry Association
42) RELX Inc.
43) Revenue Based Finance Coalition
44) ROVAC
45) Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
49) Tekni-Plex, Inc
51) The Children's Law Center of CT, Inc.
53) Theraplant, LLC
54) Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
56) Town of Somers
58) Tri-S Environmental Services, Inc.
61) VRSim, Inc
62) Walgreen Co.
63) Wilhusky, LLC
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)
(860) 548-2681
100 Pearl St., PO Box 231277, Hartford, CT, 06123,
Nothing in government happens by accident. To deal with government successfully, creative and effective representation is needed. We are an aggressive lobbying group that anticipates problems and develops strategies to achieve our clients' objectives. Whether our representation is to pass legislation or stop legislation, prevent a crisis or respond to a crisis, we have the ability and experience to achieve our clients' goals and objectives. Our success is in our proven track record. We are a strong bipartisan team that is one of Connecticut's most highly respected government relations practice groups and are recognized for effective and articulate promotion of the interests of our clients.
Firm Specialties:
Unlike most Connecticut lobbying firms, we unite the legal, lobbying and public affairs disciplines through unique experience and intimate familiarity with the legislative and lawmaking process of the State of Connecticut. It is an asset that separates the Firm from its competitors. Few, if any, public affairs corporations offer our capability and professionalism.
We also provide legislative monitoring and personal tracking of legislative issues and proposals, and employ specially-trained staff for the purposes of following pending bills, legislative hearings, committee meetings, amendments and other items of interest.
FOCUS Government Affairs @ UKS is a full service government relations firm that draws upon the knowledge and experience of attorneys, former executive branch officials, and specialists whose collective expertise is made available to all our governmental affairs clients. This team-based approach ensures that the proper resources are determined and committed, so that our government affairs clients receive the most efficient, cost-effective professional services possible.
We provide a broad spectrum of legislative, regulatory, administrative and executive lobbying and consulting services to a wide range of clients. Because we have over 60 years of experience working with and within government, we are experts on the legislative process and can skillfully negotiate with staff and elected officials. In addition, our strong relationships with federal, state and local elected officials allow us to effectively assist our clients in their dealings with all levels of government.
FOCUS Government Affairs has strategic relationship with Connecticut-based law firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC that allow us to provide an additional level of service including legal advice, counsel, and legal assistance to corporate, institutional, municipal, and individual clients.
1) American International Group, Inc.
2) Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
3) AXS
5) Connecticut Association of Pawnbrokers
6) Connecticut Association of Realtors, Inc.
7) Connecticut Police & Fire Union
8) Connecticut State Firefighters Association
9) Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists
10) Connecticut Tourism Coalition
13) Cordata Healthcare Innovations Inc.
15) CT Attorneys Title Insurance Co.
16) Encompass Health
17) Fairfield County Medical Association
18) Hartford County Medical Association
19) Northwest CT Public Safety Communication Center, Inc.
21) The Personal Care Products Council
JAMES S. PAOLINO, ESQ. began his career working in municipal government before working for several years at the state level with both the Executive Branch and the Connecticut General Assembly. Attorney Paolino has worked as the Director of State Lobbying for the Connecticut Hospital Association, one of Connecticut's largest healthcare provider associations. As Director of State Lobbying, Attorney Paolino gained extensive experience in handling complex issues including Medicaid reimbursement, workforce and employment legislation, tax issues, patient safety programs, as well as a wide variety of other issues related to healthcare, technology, the environment, and business.
Attorney Paolino brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the FOCUS Government Affairs team. Having worked at the municipal and state levels as well as the private sector, Attorney Paolino adds a deep level of understanding of government and the legislative process as well as commitment to achieving positive results for his clients. This background gives Attorney Paolino a wide range of personal contacts and relationships in both government and the private sector, which are then utilized to provide positive results for clients. Attorney Paolino combines his background and personal contacts with his legal skills to provide a comprehensive bipartisan approach to challenging issues for his clients.
Attorney Paolino is very active in his community where he currently serves as Chairman of his town's Sewer and Water Commission. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Directors of his local branch of the Lion's Club International. Attorney Paolino is also an adjunct professor, teaching Western Civilization, World Civilizations and U.S. History.
860-560-0000
287 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, Consumer Protection, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Links:LinkedIn
"I love what I do. I love puzzles. I'm curious and enjoy working with a team to find solutions to the challenges presented to us. Each day is different and I get to pull together a diverse group which shares a common goal to improve a situation. Add politics to the mix and where else could you find such a daily adventure?"
2) AccentCare
3) Adobe, Inc.
4) American Medical Response of CT, Inc.
5) Association of Social Work Boards
6) Atrium LLC
10) BrightPath
11) Brooker Memorial
13) CCA Analytics
14) Churchill Downs Incorporated
16) Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
17) Commercial Services Realty - BT2008 LLC
19) Connecticut Creditor Bar Association, Inc.
20) CT Coalition to End Homelessness
24) CT-NAELA Chapter
25) Environmental Litigation Group PC
26) EverDriven
29) International Bottled Water Association
30) Johnson Controls
33) Lyft, Inc.
35) New England Science & Sailing Foundation
37) NRG Energy, Inc.
38) Oak Ridge Waste & Recycling
40) Payactiv
41) Plastics Industry Association
42) RELX Inc.
43) Revenue Based Finance Coalition
44) ROVAC
45) Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
49) Tekni-Plex, Inc
51) The Children's Law Center of CT, Inc.
53) Theraplant, LLC
54) Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
56) Town of Somers
58) Tri-S Environmental Services, Inc.
61) VRSim, Inc
62) Walgreen Co.
63) Wilhusky, LLC
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.
