Hartford’s Sullivan & Leshane Public Relations Inc. on Wednesday said longtime co-founding partner Gene Sheehan will be stepping back from overseeing day-to-day operations in lieu of a new crop of executives.
Sheehan will still remain active with the firm’s clients as he transitions to a senior counselor role Jan.1. He established the firm in 1988 alongside co-partners Patrick Sullivan and Paddi LeShane, who are prominent lobbyists at the state Capitol.
Sheehan, a Glastonbury resident, received Hartford Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
In a statement Wednesday, he said the timing is right for him to step aside.
“I have put my heart and soul into this business for the past 30 years, and every single day has brought reward and success—I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the finest business, community and media leaders during this time, and I cannot imagine a better way of spending my career,” he said.
Amid the firm’s C-suite reshuffling, Brian Flaherty, who served 15 years as a Republican representing the 68th House District, will join Sullivan & Leshane as its executive vice president.
Flaherty served the last four years as senior vice president of public policy for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the state’s largest business lobby.
Prior to CBIA, he spent a dozen years as both director and vice president of external affairs and public policy for Nestle Water North America in Stamford. The Watertown native also rose through the General Assembly ranks to become Deputy Minority Leader.
The firm on Wednesday also elevated Dan Tapper, who has worked in its client services since 2007, as senior accounts manager.
Paddi LeShane will continue as Sullivan & LeShane’s CEO.
