Hartford Business Journal

38 Hartford Business Journal • August 5, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 M ike Johnson's internship at the state Capitol assisting Rep. TR Rowe cemented his eagerness to work in the political arena. After graduating, he managed a New York state senate campaign, worked for a legislative caucus, then received a lobbying opportunity with the CT Conference of Municipalities. Soon after, Betty Gallo hired him to work on landmark legislation such as insur- ance coverage for clinical trials. At Sullivan & LeShane, under the help of Paddi LeShane and Pat Sullivan, he's developed a strong portfolio of ac- complishments and continues to work on high-stakes issues across the state. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? In 2017 I successfully led a lobby- ing campaign for Lyft that introduced an entirely brand new regulatory framework for ride-sharing to exist in Connecticut. The contentious nature of the topic made it challenging but I was lucky to work with a great team and pass the bill. How are you involved in the community? Greater Hartford has incredible nonprofits that do amazing things every day. I lead a monthly group of different workforce leaders whose goal is to support each other's charities. Personally, I'm enrolled as a student mentor for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters who help students graduate high school. What do you like to do outside of work? By far my favorite thing is taking Coll and Elizabeth to baseball games. I'm a huge baseball nerd (I've visited almost 20 MLB parks) and my daughter loves going to Hartford Yard Goats and New Britain Bees games. We call Dunkin' Donuts Park our "summer home." Three reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • I relish tough challenges by con- fronting them with hard work and determination. If I ever lose on an issue it's never because I didn't do everything I could to get it done. • I'm an unapologetic advocate of Hartford to young professionals — I enjoy convincing people Hartford has something to offer particularly for generations Y and Z. • Folks would struggle to find a per- son who loves their job more than me. I approach everyday with a renewed focus to do the best I can for my clients. Michael "Mike" Johnson Director, Government Affairs, Sullivan & LeShane Inc. Age: 35 No. of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Sacred Heart University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in business management from Jack Welch School of Business; Bachelor's in government and politics Who is your favorite superhero: Batman but my daughter is starting to get me to like Wonder Woman MICHAEL JOHNSON MICHAEL JOHNSON congratulates our own on being named to the Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under Forty Class of 2019 Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. l 287 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT l www.ctlobby.com l (860) 560-0000 WE PROVIDE CT BUSINESS LEADERS WITH THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO SUCCESSFULLY RUN THEIR BUSINESS. ARE YOU IN THE KNOW? SUBSCRIBE BY GOING TO WWW.HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM CLICK ON "SUBSCRIBE"

• Cover