Leadership
After years in the public and private sectors, our President, Denevan O’Connell, founded Chalkstone Strategies with the belief that clients are best served by a firm with deep expertise, laser-sharp focus, and a proven track record of consistently delivering results. Drawing on his years of experience in the private sector as a government and public relations executive, Denevan represents clients in the areas of energy, finance, health care, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications at the federal, state and local levels. His government relations background is vast and deep. Denevan is accomplished in drafting legislation, direct lobbying, coalition building, supervising grassroots and grasstops campaigns on behalf of national firms for targeted members of Congress and State Legislators, developing public and community relations and regulatory strategies. His skills in direct lobbying, grassroots and grasstops development, event planning, coalition building and issue advocacy in the New England region enables him to provide political, non-profit and association clients with the opportunity to tell their unique stories, advance their policy issues and fight for their ideas in the political, legislative and public opinion arenas.
Denevan was a founding partner at Gildea, O’Connell & Darlington. During his time at Gildea, O’Connell & Darlington, he led many New England based grassroots and coalition building campaigns along with direct lobbying and public relations.
Prior to founding Gildea, O’Connell & Darlington, Denevan acted as the Director of Government Affairs for a Fortune 10 company throughout New England, where he worked with elected officials at all levels of government. While serving in this capacity, he prepared statements and advocated for a host of issues before the Public Utilities Commission in each of the New England states. During this time, Denevan developed strong working relationships with Governors, members of Congress, local legislators and community leaders in the region.
Denevan also worked alongside Governor Lincoln Almond of Rhode Island for five years. During his tenure on the Governor’s staff, he held several progressively responsible positions, concluding with the senior staff position of Director of Legislative Affairs.
Denevan has been involved in several political campaigns, including presidential, senatorial and state legislative elections. His knowledge of all aspects of a campaign makes him a highly qualified advisor for clients requiring such proficiency.
Denevan is a member of the Board of Directors of the New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, the United Cerebral Palsy of Rhode Island and the Mal Brown Alumni Association at Providence College, as well as a Commissioner of the Rhode Island Racing and Athletics Hearing Board. He is a graduate of Providence College.