Joe Shannahan

SPECIALIZES IN PUBLIC POLICY PLANS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TO REACH STATE AND FEDERAL POLICYMAKERS

Joe Shannahan specializes in developing, implementing, and guiding strategic public policy plans and strategic communications for clients needing assistance with state and federal policymakers.  

Shannahan has an extensive background in public affairs and crisis communications activities for a number of private sector clients.  By building alliances with individuals, businesses, associations, and others, Shannahan creates coalitions that have a broader and deeper reach into policymakers.  

Prior to forming Larson Shannahan Slifka Group, Joe provided consulting services in public affairs and crisis communications for private sector clients at his firm, Blue Sky Alliances.

From 1999 through 2002, Shannahan served as Communications Director and Spokesman for Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack.  As the official spokesperson for Governor Vilsack, Shannahan was the “on the record” official for news media inquiries.  His duties also included helping shape and manage the administration's messages through general themes and statements.  He worked directly with state department directors on message development and coordination of messages. Shannahan also served as Senator Tom Harkin’s campaign spokesperson during the final two months of his 2002 re-election.

Shannahan’s legislative background includes serving as a research staffer for the Majority Caucus of the Iowa House of Representatives.  Shannahan focused on Transportation, Public Safety, Labor, and Natural Resources committees.  He was responsible for determining the fiscal, political, and social implications of bills and amendments.    

Shannahan’s political background includes being Legislative Director for the Iowa Democratic Party for two election cycles. Shannahan guided House and Senate candidates through their campaigns for the Iowa Legislature.  Shannahan recruited candidates, raised PAC funds, developed media and direct mail plans, and worked with House and Senate Democratic leadership to determine campaign strategy.  During those two cycles, the Democratic legislative majorities were among the largest in Iowa history.

After his work for the Iowa Democratic Party, Shannahan was a Senior Program Director for the State Public Policy Group.  Shannahan helped lead the public affairs division of the organization.  He helped communicate client positions and build support for public policy changes by developing coalitions of interested parties. Joe is a graduate of the University of Iowa.  

P: 515-280-4854
E: jshannahan@ls2group.com