Paddi LeShane, Co-Founder & CEO

Over the years, our team has helped clients navigate growth, crisis, reinvention and opportunity. And through it all, one thing has stayed constant: communication never stands still.

That’s why we’re launching On Message—a monthly newsletter from our team of strategic communicators to help keep you ahead of the curve.

Why Now?

In a world that’s gone from “fast-paced” to “warp speed,” media cycles shift by the minute, and algorithms rewrite the rules daily. We wanted to carve out a space where you—our clients, colleagues and community partners—can pause, get grounded and gain a little clarity.

Think of On Message as your inside track on public relations, media strategy, digital storytelling and the ever-shifting world of communications. (And yes—expect a dash of political insight from time to time, too.)

Every month, you’ll get timely perspectives, smart takeaways and real-world commentary grounded in the work we’re doing every day.

Here’s what you’ll find in each issue:

For this first edition, I wanted to kick things off and share the vision. In future issues, I’ll weigh in on trends, headlines, and shifts shaping how organizations communicate. From AI to authenticity and crisis response to regulatory pivots—you’ll hear my take on what matters now.

Need to turn a dense idea into a headline-grabbing pitch? Brian’s your guy. With deep media know-how and campaign-tested instincts, he’ll deliver quick wins, checklists, and “why didn’t I think of that?” tips to help sharpen your strategy and stand out in the inbox.

Strong media relationships are everything—but knowing what journalists want is half the battle. Dan will bring you monthly Q&As with reporters, editors and producers from across Connecticut and beyond. Learn what they’re covering, how to pitch them, and what’s changing behind the scenes.

From social media trends to rebranding brilliance, Randi’s our go-to on all things digital, visual and scroll-stopping. Her column will spotlight fresh ideas, tools and strategies to help your brand break through—whether you’re launching something new or just want to show up with more style.

Dan Tapper, Senior Director

Alyssa Rae Taglia is a proud Connecticut native who can be seen every weekday morning on WTNH News 8’s Good Morning Connecticut as their traffic reporter and co-anchor for Good Morning Connecticut at 9AM.

Alyssa, how did you choose to pursue a career in television journalism?

My path into journalism was a bit unconventional. In 2016, I was crowned Miss Connecticut, and during my year of service, Kenn Venit—a longtime volunteer with the Miss Connecticut Organization and a former News 8 anchor from the legendary "Action News" days - told me he thought I’d be a great fit for broadcast journalism. Honestly, the idea had never crossed my mind until then.

After my time as Miss Connecticut came to an end, I thought, “Why not?” and enrolled in the New York Film Academy’s broadcast journalism program on a full scholarship. Much like my experience as Miss CT, I quickly learned that this career gives you the opportunity to truly help people—whether it’s informing them of important news or giving a voice to those who feel unheard.

After graduating, a maternity leave position opened up at News 8, and with Kenn’s continued encouragement, he passed along my name—and the rest is history.

You are Connecticut born and raised. What made you want to stay in your home state and work in the media here? What about the Connecticut market appeals to you?

Connecticut is—and always will be—home to me. I like to say we’re a small state with a big heart. One of the things I love most is that no town or city feels out of reach. You can really connect with communities across the entire state, and that’s so important in local journalism.



I feel incredibly grateful that my career not only started here, but continues to grow here. I hope I’m making Connecticut proud, because this state means so much to me.

As legacy media – like television, print and radio – has gotten smaller, social media has expanded tremendously. What does this mean for a career like yours? Is it an opportunity to get your stories and your content out to a larger audience?

TV news is changing, but good journalism still matters—now we just have more ways to share it. Social media lets us reach people who might not catch a full newscast, and it helps us connect in real time. It’s a great way to get important stories in front of more eyes.

What are the kinds of stories/interviews that really drive you, that you love doing? Can you give some examples?

I’m especially proud of my weekly segment, Wednesday’s Warrior, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to spotlight people stepping up for others during such a difficult time. Over the past five years, it’s grown into a platform that celebrates everyday warriors making a difference. 

It’s a meaningful break from the tough headlines to focus on the good in the world. I’ve poured my heart into this segment, and it means so much to me that I recently won my first Emmy for one of these stories!

Finally, for those of us in the public relations world, any advice on how we pitch stories/interviews and ways we can do it better?

When pitching stories, focus on what truly matters to people and their families. Ask yourself: How does this topic help keep people safe? How does it make their lives easier? How does it connect with the community? 

In my opinion, stories that have real impact and emotional connection are the ones that resonate most.

Brian Flaherty, Executive Vice President

• Reading helps you build your vocabulary and improve your language skills.
• Reading helps you grow your dexterity with structure and style, and knowing when and how to adjust them, whether you’re writing a speech, white paper, press release or giving a spoken presentation.
• Reading helps expand your knowledge and broaden your experience on different topics, making your writing more informed and authentic.

Here are some tips to follow.

Create a habit of reading: “If you’re not an avid reader, it’s OK. Start by setting achievable reading goals,” says Laura Sherman in her article, Becoming a Better Writer Through Reading.

Book it: Have a reading plan. Set aside time each day for reading. I usually listen to an audiobook during my afternoon commute, since on any given morning, we’ll have clients on the radio or be tracking the morning news for them.

Mix it up: Shift from non-fiction to fiction, mystery and fantasy so you can draw upon more influences. Jump from Harry Truman to Harry Potter, as I have done—and read the sports pages! Dad loved the way sports writers brought the imagery of a ballgame to life on the printed page through their visually descriptive language.

Bookmarks and dog ears: Mark the words and phrases that knocked your socks off so you can go back to them and emulate their impact in your own writing.

Visit some old friends: Lastly, re-read a favorite book so you can revisit what caught your eye the first time and pick up some things that you missed.

To be sure, the more you write, the better you’ll write, but carve out time to read. Consider it the “legwork” of your writing regimen. 

Randi Sussman, Public Relations Associate

Sometimes you just need a fun story and the media goes crazy for it. That is just what happened when Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR) pitched a lighthearted turtle story on behalf of Masonicare, the state’s largest nonprofit provider of senior care.

“Bowser” the turtle, a tiny common snapping turtle about the size of a quarter, was discovered on the loading dock at Masonicare’s Ashlar Village on a freezing 22-degree day in 2023. Named after an iconic Mario Bros. character, Bowser was brought indoors and given a second chance at life. Despite not eating for over a month, Bowser slowly adjusted to his home at Masonicare. During the two years he outgrew not one, not two, but three enclosure tanks. 

With Bowser now too big for indoor living, Masonicare consulted with state officials and decided to release him into the on-campus pond at Ashlar Village. To mark the occasion, and in honor of World Turtle Day on May 23, Masonicare hosted a special farewell event. SLPR saw the perfect opportunity for some good news and invited local media for a photo/video op and a story that practically wrote itself. 

The result? Coverage from WFSB, NBC-CT, Hearst Publications and the New Haven Register, all charmed by a turtle with a great story to tell.

Ella Kulas, SLPR Spring Intern (University of St. Joseph)

Throughout this past spring, I served as the Public Relations Intern for Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR). This experience offered valuable insight into the world of public relations and the corporate environment. Before starting the internship, I had little understanding of the inner workings of the PR field. Over time, I came to appreciate the immense effort involved in helping clients craft and deliver their messages. There is a real art not only in finding the right words to make a message effective, but also in guiding the client to understand what that message should be in the first place.

My long-term career goals lie in the legislature and politics, and SLPR tailored the internship to deepen my understanding of how public relations intersects with the political world. I toured the Capitol several times and observed lobbying meetings alongside the Sullivan & LeShane lobbying team. These experiences gave me a clearer picture of how government relations and PR strategies come together in the policymaking process.

As my first introduction to the corporate world, SLPR provided both the flexibility and direction I needed to grow. I researched media networks across various regions of the United States and learned how to identify and consolidate key outlets for effectively spreading messages on behalf of clients.

On a more personal level, I developed stronger professional communication skills within an office setting—both with coworkers and with clients. The ability to communicate clearly and professionally is essential in any career, and I’m grateful to have improved this skill during my time at SLPR.

Stepping into the corporate world for the first time can be daunting, but the team at SLPR made the transition smooth and supportive. They offered an honest and engaging look at what working in public relations entails while showing how the field connects with my broader career aspirations. I’ve learned a great deal through this experience and the lessons I’ve gained will stay with me throughout my professional journey.