Stephen R. Kinney , a partner in the firm, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 1985. A longtime political advisor to Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Steve played a pivotal role in Dodd's last four successful re-election bids and in his presidential campaign. Previously, he served as a member of Dodd's staff and acted as a liaison to the Connecticut General Assembly.

On the state level, Steve first earned his political stripes under former Democratic House Speakers Ernest Abate and Irving Stolberg. During their leadership tenures, Steve was principally responsible for coordinating the movement of legislative business on the House floor.

Over the past 30-plus years, Steve's coalition building skills, his knowledge of the legislative process, and his political "sixth sense" have become invaluable assets to the firm. His extensive government relations and political experience are highly regarded by lawmakers and other key decision makers in both Hartford and Washington, D.C. His counsel and expertise are regularly sought on a wide variety of subjects, including: health care, human services, general law, telecommunications, state regulatory and municipal issues, and budget and tax matters.

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

Brendan Fox joined Gaffney, Bennett & Associates in March, 2003 and is a partner in The Law Offices of Jay F. Malcynsky, P.C., an affiliated entity. He provides administrative and legal counsel to many of our firm's clients. Prior to joining the firm, Brendan served as the Executive Director of the Capital City Economic Development Authority, a quasi-public state authority established in July, 1998 to spearhead the development of the "Six Pillars" project in the downtown Hartford area and in surrounding neighborhoods of Hartford. Brendan also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to Governor John G. Rowland in his first term.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Institute for the Blind/Oak Hill. He also is a fellow the American Leadership Forum.

Brendan is a 1986 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, and a 1989 graduate of Western New England Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. Upon graduation, he served as Law Clerk to Bankruptcy Judge Robert Krechevsky, and was an associate at the Hartford law firm of Murtha, Cullina, Richter and Pinney.

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.