Swampscott Resident Joins O’Neill and Associates as VP of Government Relations

Ryan Coleman has been named Vice President in the government relations practice at O’Neill and Associates || Courtesy Photo

Swampscott resident Ryan Coleman has been named vice president in government relations at the public affairs firm O’Neill and Associates.

“We’re excited to welcome Ryan to our team,” said Thomas P. O’Neill III, chief executive officer. “With decades of experience across both the public and private sectors, Ryan brings a deep understanding of strategic advocacy and strong, lasting relationships that will benefit our clients from day one. He is a true professional and a valuable addition to our firm.”

O’Neill and Associates is led by former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. O’Niell. The group offers public affairs services, integrated government relations, public relations, crisis management, and digital communications. The firm has offices in Boston and Washington, D.C.

Coleman brings more than 20 years of experience with him to O’Neill and Associates, having served as the chief secretary for the Office of Governor Charlie Baker. He managed various governmental offices and served as Baker’s office point of contact for nine secretariats, addressing issues ranging from legislative affairs to judicial matters.

Before his tenure in the Governor’s Office, Coleman managed the administration’s legislative portfolio, including the creation of the Fiscal Control Management Board at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Coleman also served as the political director of Baker’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2014. In 2013, Coleman was the political director of the US Senate special election campaign for Massachusetts Republican Gabriel Gomez. He also worked on the congressional campaigns for former State Sen. Eileen Donoghue (D-First District) and former Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Fifth and Later Third Districts).

On the media and advertising side, Coleman served as media coordinator at The Stevens and Schriefer Group, where he worked for clients like the presidential campaign of former Sen. Mitt Romney.

Coleman also was the director of government and public affairs at the Fallon Company in Boston, Charlotte and Nashville, where he led political engagement efforts in support of large-scale development projects.