CBIA Expanded Policy Team to Boost Business Advocacy
Connecticut employers will see increased representation on labor, healthcare, and energy policy issues.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People
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The Connecticut Business & Industry Association has appointed three new lobbyists to its public policy team. These additions aim to strengthen the organization's advocacy on behalf of state employers regarding labor regulations, healthcare affordability, and transportation.
Why it matters
Expanding this policy team increases the association's capacity to engage with state regulators and lawmakers on core operating hurdles. This move reflects a broader effort to influence the legislative landscape surrounding employer-related costs and compliance.
The Connecticut Business & Industry Association added 3 new lobbyists to its advocacy team. The expansion follows the appointment of individuals with backgrounds in policy research, political campaigning, and state agency legal work.
The players
Connecticut Business & Industry Association
A statewide trade association representing Connecticut employers through legislative advocacy and public policy initiatives.
Jack DeOliveira
A former burgess in Naugatuck and policy director for the Yankee Institute who now serves as the association's senior policy director.
Alannah Doheny
A former campaign manager for state Representative Patricia Dillon who joins the team as a policy director.
James Rocco
A former staff attorney at the state Department of Consumer Protection who now serves as assistant counsel.
The details
The new appointees will focus on specific industry portfolios including labor law, banking, insurance, and consumer protection. Jack DeOliveira joins as senior policy director, Alannah Doheny as policy director, and James Rocco as assistant counsel. They will collectively manage advocacy efforts covering energy, housing, and healthcare to address direct operational impacts on Connecticut businesses.
Timeline
October 2026: CBIA announced the three new lobbyist appointments.
May 2026: Alannah Doheny began working as a campaign manager.
August 2026: Alannah Doheny ended her work as a campaign manager.
Market Landscape
This staffing expansion follows the typical industry pattern of strengthening policy teams ahead of the next state legislative session. The move signals a shift toward more granular advocacy as the association looks to address ongoing regulatory shifts in energy and labor.
Business owners should anticipate more frequent outreach from industry groups regarding state-level labor and healthcare policy developments. Monitoring these advocacy efforts can provide an early signal on upcoming regulatory or compliance shifts in your sector.
The takeaway
The association is sharpening its legislative focus by adding specialized legal and campaign experience to its ranks. Operators should review their current regulatory compliance metrics to prepare for potential policy shifts proposed during the upcoming legislative cycle.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in People across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartford Business Journal.
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