Get in touch

meet the team

partners

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Peter Smith

Partner

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Chris Smith

Partner

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Linda Kowalski

Partner

Vice presidents

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Karen K. Weeks

Vice President

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John Harkins

Vice President

lobbyists

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Mike Smith

Lobbyist

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Brandon Hayden

Lobbyist

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Bradford Weeks

Lobbyist & Compliance Coordinator

specialists

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David Boomer

Government Relations Consultant

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Marcus Yancoskie

Associate

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Ethan Werstler

Government Affairs Coordinator

Thank you to Keith Roselle Photography for these photos.

Remembering our Founder

Lewis “Lew” Rome

1933 – 2015 Lew founded the firm in 1982, bringing years of experience in state and local government. As a state senator who served as both Senate Majority and Minority Leader as well as the Republican nominee for Governor in 1982, Lew spent a lifetime dedicated to public service. He was a proud UConn Alumni and served on the University Of Connecticut Board Of Trustees including a term as chairman. Lew will be remembered by all of those lucky enough to work with him as a model public servant who cared passionately about the people and policies he represented. As a mentor to many, his style was described variously as gentlemanly, old-school, mild-mannered, and diplomatic as well as persuasive, with a command for the facts and a keen debate intellect. He created the firm with the highest ethical standards and hard work and we continue that vision today

Remembering Our Officer

Beatrice Giacco Kowalski

Bea was an officer of The Kowalski Group, LLC. She brought an illustrious record of government and political service to the firm. A former Connecticut Commissioner of the Division of Special Revenue, 1971-1979, Bea brought a unique knowledge and understanding of the workings of State Government Agencies, the state Legislature and the Executive Branch to the firm. Further, she had a long-standing history of political involvement: volunteering, working and developing strong professional relationships with members of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Appointed by former Governor Thomas Meskill, Bea served as both Chairperson and Vice-Chair of the Gaming Commission. Charged with the task of developing and regulating Connecticut’s lottery, jai alai games and dog track, Bea, along with 8 commission members, developed the regulations and initial gaming ventures within the State of Connecticut. She was reappointed to serve a second term. Bea served in numerous volunteer positions within the Republican Party: She was a former President of the Connecticut Federation of Republican Women. She was a Member of the National Board of Republican Women and a Delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1976. In 1980, she coordinated the Connecticut Campaign for former President George Bush. She served as Campaign Coordinator for former Governor Thomas Meskill. Later, she worked as the Campaign Coordinator for former U.S. Senator Lowell Weicker; she was invited to be a member of his Washington team. Additionally, she served as a State Central Committeewoman, a Wallingford RTM member and Vice-Chair of the Wallingford Republican Town Committee. The Connecticut Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. honored Bea in 1976 for her work as a Commissioner whose achievements enhanced the status of women. A Pequod Business School graduate who attended the University of New Haven, Bea was honored in 1999 as Wallingford's Italian-American of the Year for her many accomplishments and contributions to the community and to the state. She was a cancer survivor who overcame multiple cancers and was an inspiration to other survivors, her friends and family.

We know how to get results.

Company

21 Oak St. Suite 207, Hartford, CT 06106

Contact

RSK@consult-ct.com

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Peter Smith

Partner

Pete is a former state representative from Milford’s 119th district. During his time in the legislature, he was known for building consensus around issues and his passion for constituent causes. Serving as co-chair of the Conservation and Development sub-committee of the Appropriations Committee, Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Environment and Transportation Committees.

Pete joined the firm after four years leading the Connecticut Pari-Mutuel Association, becoming the President of the firm in 2006.  Pete has served on numerous boards and commissions and was Campaign Chair of State Comptroller Nancy Wyman’s 2002 campaign. He served as a Governor’s Appointee on the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission,  and, currently,  is a Fire Commissioner in the City of Milford.  Additionally, he is engaged with several charities that support children and their families battling cancer.  

Chris Smith

Partner

Chris has re-joined the firm after serving five years in the administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, most recently as Director of Policy and Government Affairs; the Governor’s chief lobbyist. In his position within the administration, Chris oversaw all policy development and implementation of executive branch policies and legislative priorities. In both of his roles previously with the firm and with the Governor’s Office, Chris has developed strong relationships with legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle, with state agency commissioners & staff, and municipal officials in his 20 years working in different capacities at the State Capitol.

Linda A. Kowalski

Partner

Linda has nearly forty years of experience in the government relations field.

Formerly, Linda was the founder and principal of The Kowalski Group LLC, a government relations firm that was consistently listed as a “Top 10 firm” in the state of Connecticut, as published in the Hartford Business Journal’s annual Book of Lists of Largest Lobbying Firms In Connecticut. She received recognition early in her career by the HBJ being honored as an outstanding young business achiever in their special “40 Under 40” publication that presents a special class each year.

The HBJ published an article, “CT’s largest lobbying firms led by women”, recognizing Linda as one of the top three women-owned government relations firms in the state of Connecticut.  

In 2023, Linda collaborated to form the strategic partnership of Rome, Smith, Lutz & Kowalski.

Known for her tenacity, work ethic and persistence, Linda has developed many strong working relationships with her clients that spanned six gubernatorial administrations.  Her bipartisan approach to level-set the agenda is recognized through state government as highly effective, as is her loyalty to her clients, many of whom she has represented as the lead lobbyist for decades.  

Linda is a cum laude graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts with a B.A. in Government and Economics.  She interned for former Attorney General Joseph Lieberman and as a legislative intern for state Senator Michael Morano.   She is a member of the Legislative Committee of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and the National League of Women Lobbyists. 

Karen K. Weeks

Vice President

Formerly, Karen was the Vice President of The Kowalski Group. A veteran lobbyist with 27 years of experience, she has represented clients at the Legislative and Administrative level of Municipal, State and Federal Government. As a government relations specialist, she has represented clients before every committee at the Connecticut General Assembly working on such issues as Health Care, Environmental Product Stewardship, Telecommunications, Waste-to-Energy, Recycling, Education, Brownfield Remediation, Automotive Retail, Marine Trades, Agricultural, and Nursery & Landscape issues. Further, Karen, a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer survivor, has worked in numerous coalitions and on collaborative efforts to champion a variety of patient care and provider issues in the health care field.

Previously, Karen achieved state recognition as a Teacher of the Year in 1990-1991 from the North Branford School District for her work as a High School Library Media Specialist. She held this position at North Branford High School for eleven years. She began her career as an English Teacher at the same high school.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The University of Connecticut. Further, she earned a Master of Arts Degree from Wesleyan University with a specialization in literature and writing. In addition, she holds a Master’s degree of Library Science and Instructional Technology from Southern Connecticut State University.

John Harkins

Vice President

John is a former state representative having served 13 years from Stratford’s 120th district. Past leadership appointments include Deputy Minority Leader at large, Caucus Chairman, Assistant Minority Leader, and Ranking Member for the Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Aging, and Veterans Affairs Committee. John also served as the mayor of Stratford for two consecutive four-year terms since 2009. Mayor Harkins led Stratford with a steady hand. By focusing on economic development, the town has grown significantly. With over 23 years of elected service and over 30 years as a small business owner John has been a strong advocate for his constituents. As a lobbyist, he is now focused on client advocacy and business development on both the state and local levels.

Mike Smith

Lobbyist

Mike Smith brings with him a dozen years of working in and around state and local government: in the legislature, the Governor’s office, on the campaign trail, as well as government relations. He spent 4 years working for the state’s largest trade association and intimately understands the nuances of navigating member and national association relationships.   He’s an experienced innovator who has co-founded several startups focused on leveraging technology solutions to reduce inefficiencies and make businesses more successful.  Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2008, Mike has been heavily involved in giving back to the cancer community, he has served on the Boards of Directors for multiple non-for profits and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for organizations via cancer charity bike rides.  As a Milford native, Mike grew up enjoying Long Island Sound and continues to spend his time sailing, paddling, and recreating on the Sound.

Our Team

Lobbyist

Brandon began his career in government and advocacy working in the CT General Assembly for Senator James Maroney.  He subsequently served as Policy Director for the CT Cradle to Career Coalition advocating for disadvantaged youth across the state.  Through his work in the general assembly and with the coalition, he worked to help pass numerous pieces of legislation on various issues.  He has also served in various senior capacities on state and local political campaigns around the state.

Our Team

Lobbyist & Compliance Coordinator

Brad is a skilled researcher and writer working closely with clients to submit testimony for public hearings and to complete other critical reports. He has played a key role over the past three decades communicating and working with clients to elicit grass roots support. Previously, Brad was a government relations specialist, a lobbyist, with The Kowalski Group since 1991. He has focused on client communication and advocacy and has a record of accomplishment. He is experienced and knowledgeable covering the workings of the Executive Branch, the Connecticut General Assembly, and State Agencies.  

Brad brings extensive knowledge of transportation policy and the inner workings and partnership of both state and Federal government. His experience includes working on health care, social services, energy, environment, finance, business and agricultural issues across various committees of the General Assembly.

Dave Boomer

Lobbyist

David L. Boomer brings 42 years of public and private sector experience to the firm as a Senior Lobbyist. During his career, Boomer has worked for two U.S. Representatives, a U.S. Senator, a Governor and legislative leaders in both the Connecticut House and Senate. He has also served in a public affairs capacity in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Since 1997, Boomer has been an independent consultant assisting clients with project management, marketing and new business development. Previously, he has provided government relations services to The Kowalski Group, LLC, since 2003, where he has extensive experience advocating for the firm’s clients, including development of effective messaging and grassroots programs. 

Boomer has been called a “respected political consultant” by the Omaha World-Herald (Nebr.) for his work in managing four winning congressional races in that state. Overall, he has managed eight congressional races since 1998 in Connecticut and Nebraska, five of which were heavily targeted by both of the national political party’s congressional campaign committees.

Marcus Yancoskie

Administrative Support Specilaist
After an insightful internship with RSK, Marcus is excited to join the team, bringing thoughtful coverage of current issues. A recent University of Connecticut graduate, Marcus stands on his vigorous work ethic and comprehensive detail about policy developments that are critical to clients. Through his work with RSK in the CT General Assembly and state agency coverage, Marcus leverages a particular interest in the interplay between data privacy and healthcare, as well as CT’s net zero climate initiatives. As a former captain of the UConn Men’s Crew, Marcus brings a thorough understanding of how hard work, dedication, and collaboration bring consistent results.

Our Team

Government Affairs Coordinator

Ethan, a Connecticut native and recent UConn graduate joins RSLK after working in the 2022 campaign cycle as a Field Organizer for Congressman Joe Courtney.  Ethan excelled at UConn, including serving as a Trustee on the UConn Board of Trustees and Vice President in the Student Government. He is excited to put to use his skills and work ethic to use for the RSLK team and clients.