Our Team

Peter Smith, Partner: Peter is a former state representative from Milford’s 119th district. During his time in the legislature, Pete was known for building consensus around issues and his passion for constituent causes. He served as co-chairman of the Conservation and Development sub-committee of the Appropriations Committee, vice chairman of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Environment and Transportation Committees.

Pete joined the firm after four years leading the Connecticut Pari-Mutuel Association. Pete has served on numerous boards and commissions and was campaign chairman of State Comptroller Nancy Wyman’s 2002 campaign. He currently serves as a member of the Judicial Selection Commission as an appointee of the Speaker of the House.

Katherine Lutz, Partner: Kathie has more than 20 years experience in the Connecticut political arena and an extensive background in private industry. A former Democratic Town Committee chairman, Kathie has served on a number of elected and appointed boards and commissions. She served on the Milford Board of Education, as well as the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education during which time she received the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award. She was also appointed to the Inland Wetlands Agency.

Kathie is a former member of the Democratic State Central Finance Committee and a delegate to the 2000 National Presidential Convention. In addition, at the request of the Speaker of the House, Kathie worked with the House Democratic Caucus on campaigns throughout the state and she continues to be active in local, state, and federal campaigns.

Christopher Smith: Lobbyist. Chris is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science, specializing in state and municipal government. Chris joined the firm in 2002. He currently serves as Chairman of the Wallingford Energy Efficiency Commission and is an alternate member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Chris has served as campaign manager for various state and local political races. Chris is a valued resource in Connecticut campaigns for his political expertise and he continues to advise on numerous campaigns across the state.

Kelly King: Legislative Affairs Administrator. Kelly King graduated from the University of Hartford in 2004 and joined the Rome Smith team during the 2006 legislative session. Kelly provides committee meeting coverage and house and senate coverage.

She tracks and organizes amendments and documents during the busy time at the height of the legislative session.

Ray Collins: Lobbyist. Ray is a former state representative from the 117th district. During his 20 years of service to the State of Connecticut, he served as Minority Whip and a ranking member of the General Law Committee. Ray also served on a variety of legislative law committees, including Public Health, Public Safety, and Legislative Management.

Ray was very involved in the National Conference of State Legislators, and sponsored numerous bills, notably the 65 mile-per-hour speed limit and a bill guaranteeing benefits to service personnel and their families. Ray joined Rome, Smith & Lutz in 2010.

Michael Bloom: Lobbyist. Michael has more than a decade of experience in and around the legislative process, on the local, state and federal level. While working at the Capitol in Hartford, Michael served as a legislative aide for both State Senator Gayle Slossberg and State Representative Michael Lawlor. Michael has coordinated policy for numerous service organizations and lobbied both in Boston and Washington as Director of the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations. He also served as Director of Communications for a Massachusetts State Senator.

Michael started his career in the Connecticut General Assembly, clerking for various committees, including Environmental and Legislative Regulations.

Michael is active in the community, serving as a board member of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and lives in West Hartford.

Lewis Rome: Founding member and senior advisor to the firm. Lew brings nearly 50 years of experience in state and local government to his role as advisor to the firm. A former state senator who served as both majority and minority leader, Lew was the Republican nominee for Governor in 1982 and has spent a lifetime dedicated to public service. In recent years, Lew has served on the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, including a term as chairman. Lew, a former mayor of the Town of Bloomfield, has served on numerous boards and commissions.

Lew’s unparalleled experience and knowledge of the Connecticut political and business landscapes are invaluable assets to the clients of Rome Smith & Lutz.