Lobbyists can have a major influence shaping policy issues at the state Capitol.
Among the most influential lobbyists in Hartford is Paddi LeShane, the CEO and co-founder of government relations firm Sullivan & LeShane Inc.
She runs the Hartford-based business, including sister company Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations Inc., with her husband Patrick Sullivan.
LeShane oversees day-to-day operations and personally lobbies on behalf of many of the firm’s prominent clients, which have included Coca-Cola, Verizon, Churchill Downs, NRG, Theraplant, Middlesex Health and the Connecticut State Medical Society, among many others.
Part of the way she keeps her clients informed is through Sullivan & LeShane’s “In The Loop’’ email newsletter, which covers hot political and legislative topics. In late January, for example, LeShane penned a column about the influence of artificial intelligence on political campaigns.
LeShane is also active in the community. She serves as a treasurer for the Hartford Housing Authority, is a member and secretary of the board of trustees at the University of St. Joseph, and is the past chair of the Women’s Leadership Center at the school. She was also appointed by former Gov. M. Jodi Rell to serve on the steering committee of the Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford.