Paddi LeShane and Patrick Sullivan are a power couple if you ever met one. 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, hosting exclusive get-togethers at his Hartford home — located near the governor’s mansion — for top political leaders and media personalities. His firm’s major clients, who seek help getting regulatory changes, tax breaks or any other policy shifts that can make them more money, include Coca Cola NE, 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.