FOCUS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS - Key Persons
Alexis Bourassa joined FOCUS Government Affairs after graduating from UConn. During her time, Alexis has since been implementing, maintaining and managing internal and external communication efforts at the firm as well as establishing and maintaining a social media presence.
Alexis graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2019 where she achieved dual bachelor's degrees in Communications and English, with a concentration in Public Relations. During her time at UConn, Alexis worked for the University of Connecticut Office of Athletic Communications where she worked closely with the press and media. Through her education and time at UConn, Alexis has extensive experience creating and delivering press releases, creating media relations content, corporate newsletters, social media content and creation, and speaking proposals which she has been able to leverage into the political environment. Her experience has assisted FOCUS Government Affairs by growing client relations as well as maintaining and establishing relationships with legislators. Working hand and hand with our clients, Alexis pinpoints and tracks bills of importance. Throughout bill tracking, Alexis also works with the clients to meet their legislative and lobbying needs such as helping clients participate in public hearings and assisting with the scheduling of meetings with legislators.
Additionally, Alexis remains active in the political campaign sphere including working on campaigns on both the state and municipal level.
Job Titles:
- Government Affairs Associate 2024 Legislative Session
Emma began her political career as a campaign intern for Congressman John B. Larson's re-election campaign. During this time, she actively engaged with constituents, organized voter data, and established connections with seasoned political experts. This experience provided her with valuable insights into legislative processes and political matters, expanding her knowledge in campaign strategies, fundraising, and civil discourse. Following her time as a campaign intern, Congressman Larson extended an invitation for Emma to intern at his East Hartford District Office. This opportunity exposed her to the intricacies of the federal government. She worked closely with various federal agencies to provide services to constituents in the 1st Congressional District. Additionally, she conducted extensive research on congressional bills, both past and present, and collected data on municipal spending of federal money that was allocated through the American Rescue Plan.
Subsequent to this internship, Emma was highly motivated to continue her path in government and politics, she secured her spot as a legislative intern for the Connecticut General Assembly's 2023 session. In her role as a Legislative Intern, Emma received a wealth of knowledge about the state legislative process, and the many working parts of Connecticut state government. It was here Emma was introduced to government affairs and how effective a strong team can be in producing legislative results. As a result of this exposure, Emma is eager to continue her journey in government and politics as a sessional lobbyist with FOCUS Government Affairs. This new opportunity will enable her to continue her professional growth and gain fresh perspectives on government operations.
Jim 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. Before Focus Government Affairs, Jim 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, he 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.
Jim 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, he 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 Jim 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. Jim combines his background and personal contacts with his legal skills to provide a comprehensive bipartisan approach to challenging issues for his clients.
Mr. Paolino is very active in his community where he currently serves as Chairman of his town's Sewer and Water Commission. He also serves on the Financial Oversight Committee and on the Board of Directors of his local branch of the Lion's Club International. Jim is also an adjunct faculty member at Capitol Community College, teaching Western Civilization, World Civilizations and U.S. History.
Michael Bzdyra has extensive experience in state government and provides government relations services for a variety of clients. Mike works closely with organizations in the financial industry, business clients, and educational organizations, on a wide variety of issues related to their businesses and government affairs goals. He possesses excellent relationships with the administration, executive branch agencies, the legislature, as well as with local municipal officials across the state.
Mike has more than 30 years of professional experience in Connecticut state government. Most recently from 2016 to 2019, Mike served as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). He was responsible for the overall operations of the DMV that served millions of customers annually and led the department of 800 employees and managed a $66 million budget. He previously served as the DMV Deputy Commissioner.
Prior to joining the DMV, Mike served as the Government Relations Liaison to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA). In this role, he was responsible for directing, planning, and implementing CRRA's legislative, governmental, and regulatory activities. He also regularly collaborated with the Connecticut State Legislature, the Governor's office, and executive branch agencies.
Bill 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, Bill 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 Bill established a strong reputation for being able to accomplish the legislative and administrative goals of his clients. He believes in a bipartisan, leave no stone unturned approach to advocacy in Hartford.
Bill 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, Bill developed strong ties to both parties and learned how to navigate the legislative process in order to achieve the goals of adopting legislation. He 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. Bill 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. Bill 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. He is also a frequent speaker before client groups, providing them insight into the lawmaking process and best preparing them to advocate for their positions.