About Us

President & Principal

With over thirty years of experience in government relations and public affairs consulting, Linda Kowalski has earned accolades from business leaders and government officials as one of the top lobbyists in the State of Connecticut. She is the founder of the firm, The Kowalski Group LLC, noted as the fifth largest lobbying firm in the state, according to the Hartford Business Journal's Book of Lists. Linda was featured, along with three of her colleagues, in an article, also published by the Hartford Business Journal, January 9, 2017, "CT's largest lobbying firms led by women".

Throughout her career, Linda has developed many strong working relationships on behalf of her clients beginning with the O'Neill Administration spanning the Weicker, Rowland and Rell Administrations, the Malloy Administration and most currently with the Lamont Administration.  As a result of her bipartisan efforts, she has earned the respect of municipal leaders, state legislators, Congressional Officials and the members of the executive branch. Her work comprises municipal, state, and federal legislative and administrative lobbying and consulting.

Known for her political savvy, hard work and results, Linda is unparalleled in her ability to orchestrate and successfully execute strategic lobbying campaigns.

While known for her successful lobbying efforts on behalf of her clients,  as founder and President of the Kowalski Group, L.L.C., she oversees the operation of this Government Relations and Consulting Business in addition to serving as lead lobbyist for the firm.  At Linda's helm the firm has grown and expanded and includes a diverse client list.  Linda's background and experience includes health care, social services, financial services, auto and marine trades, solid waste management, the alcohol beverage industry, business, energy and environmental issues.

Linda received recognition by the Hartford Business Journal in its special "40 Under Forty" issue published August 30th.  Linda earned honors as one of forty of the Greater Hartford area's outstanding young business achievers under the age of forty.

Over the years, Linda has earned the respect and admiration of her clients.  The Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association presented her with an award on September 26, 1997, in "Recognition of Time and Efforts Contributed Towards the Advancement of the Dental Hygiene Profession".  In 2010, Linda Kowalski and The Kowalski Group received "The President's Award" from the Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association, CDHA.  

The Connecticut Association of Optometrists presented her with the George A. Comstock, O.D., Distinguished Service Award "In Recognition For Many Years Of Outstanding Service To The Profession Of Optometry". Subsequently, the CAO presented her with an Award of Appreciation for "Outstanding Service as a Legislative Consultant".  

The Radiological Society of Connecticut presented an award to Linda A. Kowalski, The Kowalski Group, LLC, "In Appreciation of Many Years of Service to the Radiological Society of Connecticut". 

A cum laude graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts with a B.A. in Government and Economics, Linda's educational experience included an internship with former Connecticut Attorney General Joseph Lieberman.  Further, she served as a Legislative intern for Connecticut State Senator Michael L. Morano. In addition, she participated in a twelve-college exchange program spending a semester at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.  Immediately upon graduation, she secured a position as an independent government relations consultant.  She is a member of the Legislative Committee of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Linda is also a member of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and E2.

In her spare time, Linda enjoys running. She has completed seven marathons, including the Hartford Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, the New York City Marathon and the Philadelphia Marathon. Linda's time in the New York City and Philadelphia Marathons qualified her for the Boston Marathon which she ran and completed April 19, 2010.  In 2011 she placed third in her age group in the Vermont City Marathon.

Connect with Linda on Facebook & Twitter.

Vice President

Karen K. Weeks is Vice President, a principal with The Kowalski Group, LLC. As a lobbyist for the firm since 1995, she has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of issues and a commitment to competently represent clients at the Legislative and Administrative level of Municipal, State and Federal Government. 

An experienced government relations specialist, Karen has represented clients before every committee at the Connecticut General Assembly working on such issues as Health Care Reform, Environmental Product Stewardship, Waste-to-Energy, Education, and Brownfield Remediation. Further, Karen, a non-hodgkins 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. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and their businesses and is respected by Legislators and Agency Officials for her professionalism and dedication.

Prior to joining The Kowalski Group, LLC, 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 this same high school.

During the course of her tenure as an educator, she advocated for teachers, as a charter member of the North Branford Federation of Teachers, NBFT; for literacy, as a securer of National Endowment for the Humanities grants; for libraries, as a Board of Directors Member for the Southern Connecticut Library Council, SCLC, and for her students, as a girls’ track coach, as head advisor to the NBHS Class of 1983, and, foremost, as a classroom teacher. She served as the Legislative Chairperson for the SCLC.

These experiences in grass roots advocacy and lobbying prepared her well for the day-to-day challenges and responsibilities that she faces as a contract lobbyist. During her career as an educator, Karen participated in numerous professional organizations, and served on committees and boards in the fields of education, technology, government and libraries. She is a skilled researcher and writer for the firm. Karen has worked on numerous municipal, state legislative, congressional and State Officers’ campaigns for candidates on both sides of the political aisle.

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.

Government Relations Associate

David L. Boomer brings 42 years of public and private sector experience to the firm as a Government Relations Associate. 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. 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.

Most recently, Boomer served as campaign manager in 2021 for Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert who won an historic third term with 63 percent of the vote, In 2017, Boomer served as communications director for Stothert's successful re-election campaign in this city of 476,000.

Boomer has a B.A. in social systems and policy from The University of Hartford.  

Government Relations Associate

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. Brad has been a key member of the firm working with Linda Kowalski and 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.

Currently, as a registered lobbyist and government affairs associate, he follows a broad range of meetings across the spectrum on all critical issues affecting policymaking and legislation. Brad earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from New England College. He brings unique and highly skilled professional credentials and background to the firm.

Beatrice Giacco Kowalski

Officer

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.