RSG knows what strategies work in this state and how to implement those strategies. RSG works with great energy and sharp focus to achieve its clients' objectives. The fight facing the client and the goal of that client become RSG's fight and RSG's goal.
RSG proactively guides clients through the challenging maze of the legislative, regulatory and political processes. The principals at RSG have developed a deep and sound understanding of Connecticut's government. RSG crafts and implements thoughtful and creative solutions. Its principals' knowledge of the inner workings of government and their ability to communicate directly and effectively with decision makers is critical to its clients' successes.
2) ActBlue
5) Bus Patrol
6) Caregiver Homes of Connecticut, Inc., d/b/a Careforth
8) Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference
9) Connecticut Foundations Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc.
10) Connecticut Judges Association
12) Connecticuts Flagship Production Theaters
13) CT Association of Land Surveyors
14) DailyPay
20+ years
Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to locate two major warehouse centers in those districts.
Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to provide financial assistance for small businesses in CT.
Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.
Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.
Brenda Sisco is a principal of RSG. For more than 15 years, Ms. Sisco held several key positions in two gubernatorial administrations prior to joining RSG. Under Governor M. Jodi Rell, Ms. Sisco served as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management ("OPM"), Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services ("DAS") and Legislative Director for the Governor. Ms. Sisco also served as Legislative Director for Governor John G. Rowland. After leaving state service, Ms. Sisco was Director of Outreach and Government Relations for the Connecticut Council on Education Reform, a coalition of business leaders, working on the landmark education legislation in 2012.
As Secretary of OPM, Ms. Sisco oversaw the administration of centralized budgeting and planning for the State of Connecticut. Leading eight Division Directors and approximately 130 employees, Ms. Sisco reported directly to the Governor, providing guidance and analysis, preparation of the state budget and advice on the fiscal and administrative impact on public policies and policy initiatives. Additionally, Ms. Sisco reviewed all state agency requests for bonding to fund capital projects, advising the Governor on which projects that should proceed. Ms. Sisco was also responsible for the distribution and oversight of project funds.
As Commissioner of DAS, Ms. Sisco led more than 300 employees and managed a $40-million-dollar budget. Her role was to deliver programs, services, specialized support and sound business solutions to state agencies, municipalities, vendors, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and the public at large. This included procurement of contracts on behalf of state agencies for goods and services, personnel recruitment, workforce planning, fleet operations, state workers compensation, collection of debts due the state, surplus property distribution and printing, mail and courier services.
As Legislative Director, Ms. Sisco was the lead representative for the Governor with the Connecticut General Assembly on budget and tax proposals, economic development, human services, education, public health, environment and bonding proposals. In addition to oversight and approval of all legislative proposals by state agencies, Ms. Sisco assisted in the development of policy initiatives and the passage of the biennial state budget. Ms. Sisco also served on the Board of Trustee of the University of Connecticut on behalf of the Governor and as the liaison between the Governor's Office and the New England Governors' Conference ("NEGC"). Among the more notable projects, Ms. Sisco worked on the restructuring of the electric industry, passage of UConn 2000, creation and funding of $1 billion Adriaen's Landing development project and the takeover of the Hartford School System.
Ms. Sisco received her B.S. in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.
(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.
2) Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries
3) Amarok
5) American International Group Inc.
6) Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
7) Asurion
9) Community Economic Development Fund
10) Connecticut Association of Pawnbrokers
11) Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference
12) Connecticut Police & Fire Union
13) Connecticut State Society of of Anesthesiologists
14) Connecticut Tourism Coalition
18) CT REGIONAL CAPS
19) Encompass Health
20) Fairfield County Medical Association
21) Fortinet, Inc.
22) Grifols Shared Services North America, Inc.
23) Hartford County Medical Association
24) Independent Insurance Agents of CT
25) Integrated Anesthesia Associates
26) Lucid USA Inc.
27) NEAM
28) Northwest CT Public Safety Communication Center, Inc.
31) 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.
RSG knows what strategies work in this state and how to implement those strategies. RSG works with great energy and sharp focus to achieve its clients' objectives. The fight facing the client and the goal of that client become RSG's fight and RSG's goal.
RSG proactively guides clients through the challenging maze of the legislative, regulatory and political processes. The principals at RSG have developed a deep and sound understanding of Connecticut's government. RSG crafts and implements thoughtful and creative solutions. Its principals' knowledge of the inner workings of government and their ability to communicate directly and effectively with decision makers is critical to its clients' successes.
2) ActBlue
5) Bus Patrol
6) Caregiver Homes of Connecticut, Inc., d/b/a Careforth
8) Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference
9) Connecticut Foundations Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc.
11) Connecticuts Flagship Production Theaters
12) CT Association of Land Surveyors
13) DailyPay
6-10 years
Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to build two major warehouse centers in those districts.
Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to benefit small business
Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.
Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.
Hillary is a Principal at RSG. After 5 years as an Associate at RSG, in 2020 Hillary was promoted to Principal. Ms. Glass came to Connecticut from Virginia in 2013 to work at the State Capitol for Governor Dannel Malloy. She then took a position at the Connecticut Democratic Party, working directly for the State Party Chairwoman, Nancy DiNardo, serving as a liaison with elected officials, town chairs, and leaders in the state's 169 municipalities. Following her time at the State Party, Ms. Glass served as Finance Assistant for U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty's 2014 successful reelection to Congress, working directly with the candidate to solicit and raise funds. Ms. Glass, who resides in Hartford, graduated in 2013 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minor in Journalism.
RSG knows what strategies work in this state and how to implement those strategies. RSG works with great energy and sharp focus to achieve its clients' objectives. The fight facing the client and the goal of that client become RSG's fight and RSG's goal.
RSG proactively guides clients through the challenging maze of the legislative, regulatory and political processes. The principals at RSG have developed a deep and sound understanding of Connecticut's government. RSG crafts and implements thoughtful and creative solutions. Its principals' knowledge of the inner workings of government and their ability to communicate directly and effectively with decision makers is critical to its clients' successes.
2) ActBlue
5) Bus Patrol
6) Caregiver Homes of Connecticut, Inc., d/b/a Careforth
8) Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference
9) Connecticut Foundations Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc.
10) Connecticut Judges Association
12) Connecticuts Flagship Production Theaters
13) CT Association of Land Surveyors
14) DailyPay
20+ years
Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to build two major warehouse centers in those districts.
Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to benefit small business
Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.
Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.
Kevin N. Reynolds is a principal of RSG. Prior to that, Mr. Reynolds was a principal and member of the Board of Directors at the law firm of Updike Kelly & Spellacy, PC, serving as Chair of the firm's Government Relations & Public Affairs practice group for eight years. Mr. Reynolds has most recently represented clients such as Amazon, CVS/Caremark, Diageo, Goodwin College, Eversource, Tesla, Red Bull, Trinity Health of New England, Live Nation/Ticketmaster. Mr. Reynolds has great experience representing numerous insurance organizations over the years including, but not limited to, AHIP, Mutual of Omaha, Unum and AFLAC.
As a lawyer, Mr. Reynolds also routinely handles matters in the areas of administrative, elections and municipal law. He was integrally involved in representing Essent Healthcare, over a two-year period, in the state's first non-profit to for-profit hospital conversion.
Prior to attending law school, Mr. Reynolds served for several years on the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd. While working in Senator Dodd's office, his responsibilities included drafting legislation on domestic issues, preparing legislative statements and handling federal casework.
Mr. Reynolds serves in a leadership capacity in various professional, political and community organizations. Since 2000, he has served as Legal Counsel for the Connecticut Democratic Party. Mr. Reynolds is a Corporator of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. He also has served as Chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Connecticut State Government Relations Committee. He serves as Parliamentarian for the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee and is an alumnus of Leadership Greater Hartford, Class of 1999. In 2012, Mr. Reynolds received the prestigious William A. O'Neil Award for lifetime service on behalf of the Connecticut Democratic Party.
Mr. Reynolds received his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, Virginia and his A.B. in English at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.
860-944-8297
One Goodwin Square, 225 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06103,
1) Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries
2) Amarok
3) Ameresco
4) Association for Accessible Medicines
6) CHUBB Group F/K/A Ace North America
7) Connecticut Beer Wholesalers Association
8) Connecticut Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Inc.
9) Connecticut Campground Owners Association
10) Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference
11) Connecticut Police & Fire Union
12) Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation
13) Connecticut Votes for Animals
14) CRISP Shared Services, Inc.
15) CT Attorneys Title Insurance Co.
WILLIAM J. MALITSKY began his government affairs career by working directly for two Democratic Speakers of the House of Representatives, learning the intricacies of the legislative process from inside this key leadership office. Following service on behalf of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky entered the private sector and served as the Director of Government Relations for the Connecticut State Dental Society, one of Connecticut's largest health related associations, and thereafter became associated with a large Hartford lobbying group. During his extensive career as a lobbyist Mr. Malitsky established a strong reputation for being able to accomplish the legislative and administrative goals of his clients. Mr. Malitsky believes in a bipartisan, leave no stone unturned approach to advocacy in Hartford.
Mr. Malitsky has a wealth of experience within state government and brings these talents to the team at FOCUS Government Affairs. During his five years on the staff of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky developed strong ties to both parties and learned how to navigate the legislative process in order to achieve the goals of adopting legislation. Mr. Malitsky served on the staff of Speaker Richard. J Balducci during the fiscal crisis of the early 90's providing him with a keen understanding of how government can best operate in challenging times.
Mr. Malitsky brings his drive for success and commitment to excellence to the forefront of any challenge. He has a great deal of experience and expertise in crisis management for the clients he represents. Mr. Malitsky has worked on a variety of complex issues such as: insurance, health care, environmental and tax issues, as well as, energy, pharmaceutical, business, education and construction and development issues. Knowledge of the people involved in decision making is a vital role in any lobbying activity. Mr. Malitsky is uniquely able to combine his knowledge of the people involved in State Government with his understanding of the legislative process and provide his clients with a seamless approach to achieving results. Mr. Malitsky is a frequent speaker before client groups, providing them insight into the lawmaking process and best preparing them to advocate for their positions.
860-966-8468
134 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06105,
860-524-7882
134 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06105,
860-524-7882
134 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06105,
860-524-7882
134 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06105,
