Lobbying has become a lot different in the age of COVID-19. In fact, the state Capitol has been closed to lobbyists during the 2021 legislative session, forcing influence peddlers to find alternative ways to sway policymakers.
Paddi LeShane and Patrick Sullivan have been navigating those waters as one of the region’s foremost power couples and top lobbyists.
The husband and wife duo own and run Sullivan & LeShane Inc., one of the most powerful lobbying firms in Connecticut, and sister company Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations Inc.
Sullivan has been known as one of the most influential lobbyists at the state Capitol and his firm’s major clients include Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, NRG Energy, MGM entertainment and Lyft, among others.
LeShane runs the agency’s day-to-day operations and personally lobbies on behalf of many of the firm’s prominent clients. She was the former chair of the Hartford Parking Authority and is on the board of trustees of the University of St. Joseph.
Â