The Cornerstone team pictured at its Maryland Office’s Sine Die Party
QUARTERLY SPOTLIGHT
In March, we released our 2024 Community Impact Statement, highlighting our firm’s continued commitment to the communities where we live and work.
In 2024, the firm contributed just over $189,000 to 187 organizations through charitable giving initiatives and sponsorship opportunities.
Our employee owners also participated in a dedicated day of service to support various organizations across the country.
View our Special Edition Newsletter
Nevada Office Launch Reception InCaseYouMissedIt:
Cornerstone hosted a reception on February 12 celebrating the launch of our Nevada office. We are thrilled to welcome Alisa Nave-Worth, Jason Frierson and Stephanie Balistere to the firm!
Meet the Nevada Team
Delaware Office Launch Reception
Cornerstone hosted a reception on April 13 celebrating the launch of our Delaware office. We are excited to add Lauren Vella to the firm!
QUARTERLY SPOTLIGHT
OperationsTeamOffsite
This annual gathering serves as a pivotal moment for our Operations team to align and strategize on ways to better support the professionals across our firm who are dedicated to servicing our clients. It’s a time to foster stronger collaboration, reflect on shared experiences and identify solutions that empower our firm to operate more efficiently and effectively.
In our sessions, we discussed 2024's wins and hurdles, reflecting on how our operations initiatives have driven the firm’s success. From streamlining processes to enhancing internal communications, the impact of our operations team is felt firmwide, ensuring our client service teams are empowered to focus on delivering the best possible service.
Our team was also joined by a guest speaker in the afternoon. Michele Evans, the former Executive Vice President and Head of Multifamily at Fannie Mae, shared many valuable lessons and offered thoughtful recommendations on how to grow as leaders and shape our careers.
SUCCESSFUL STATE SESSIONS
Happy Sine Die!
Georgia
Congratulations to Cornerstone’s Georgia team! Meet our Peach State colleagues by clicking here.
Maryland
Congratulations to Cornerstone’s Maryland team! Meet our Old Line State colleagues by clicking here.
Kentucky
Congratulations to Cornerstone’s Kentucky team! Meet our Bluegrass State colleagues by clicking here.
Mississippi
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Congratulations to Cornerstone’s Mississippi team! Meet our Bayou State colleagues by clicking here.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Our client United Launch Alliance (ULA) joined Punchbowl News Founder and CEO Anna Palmer and Senior Congressional Reporter Andrew Desiderio to interview U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Mark Kelly (DAZ) in March to discuss the continued development of space policy Tory Bruno, President and CEO of ULA, joined Anna for a fireside chat following the interview Catch up on the event here
Congratulations to our client the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska on their ribbon cutting of the expansion of Prairie Flower Casino, just minutes from downtown Omaha The revenue from Prairie Flower Casino is reinvested back into tribal programs, such as healthcare for Members, cultural preservation, job training, housing, transportation and elder meal delivery The Tribe has also voluntarily contributed more than $5 million to the local community to support police, fire, infrastructure and general community improvements. Read more about the expanded casino by clicking here
Our team joined Cornerstone client America’s VetDogs at the White House in March to raise awareness around their incredible programs supporting disabled veterans and the 2027 Working Dog Commemorative Coin initiative
Congratulations to our client Analog Devices on receiving $105 million in proposed direct funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. Cornerstone has been honored to partner with ADI to support the act and its benefits to the US semiconductor industry.
PoncaTribeofNebraska
EVENTS & ENGAGEMENTS
In February, Cornerstone brought together embassy staff members representing countries across the globe for a discussion with members of our federal government relations and public affairs teams on navigating the evolving U.S. political landscape. Our team provided an insider’s perspective on the priorities of the Trump Administration and the 119 Congress, focusing on key issues impacting foreign governments, including tariffs, trade and national security.
Cornerstone Principal Tony Essalih led a successful event for our client American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in March to raise crucial funds and awareness for ACS CAN’s critical initiatives. ACS CAN is the advocacy arm of the American Cancer Society, working to influence lawmakers to pass policies that help prevent, treat and cure cancer, including those that increase cancer research funding, improve healthcare access and support patients and survivors.
EnergyWorkforce&SEVAVirtualBriefing
Cornerstone Principals, Jack Belcher and David Planning, joined Energy Workforce and Sustainability & Energy Value Advisors in January for a virtual briefing on what’s ahead for the energy services sector and energy industry under the Trump Administration. David advised companies in the sector to prepare for potential impacts to business, assume there will be no exceptions and continue to deliver messages that align with the President’s goal of American energy dominance.
IN THE PRESS
Camille Scales Young, a Principal in Cornerstone’s Jackson, Mississippi office, was selected to participate in a documentary series by Mississippi State University (MSU) that highlights women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. With nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and public policy, Camille has worked diligently to pave the way for future generations of women in the industry.
Camille Scales Young Principal
Through her leadership and advocacy, Camille is making an undeniable impact in Mississippi, ensuring that the voices of her clients are heard at the state legislature. She is dedicated to creating a path for others to follow, ensuring that her hard work will have a ripple effect. Cornerstone is excited to see her share her story and proud to have her as a leader in our firm.
Watch Here
Hyma Moore, a Principal in Cornerstone’s Washington, D.C. office, w featured on Fox News in early March discussing President Trump’s sta on Ukraine, and the reaction to the exchange between the President a President Zelenskyy during the President’s anticipated address Congress.
Hyma joined republican strategist from Axiom Strategies, Erin Magu to provide insights into President Zelenskyy’s response to the interact and the potential implications for Ukraine, Europe and the rest of world. Hyma and Erin also shared predictions about the Presiden address to Congress, including what a roadmap to the midterms and priorities that Republicans will continue to pursue.
Nial Patel Principal & Director
Nial Patel, a Principal in Cornerstone’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana office, recently joined The Patty-G Show for an insightful conversation focused around his passion for connecting people and his extensive philanthropic work across Louisiana. Nial has long been committed to making a positive impact in the communities where he works and lives, particularly in Baton Rouge. He shared his experiences of how he has dedicated countless hours to supporting local initiatives, including youth mentorship and educational programs.
Through his work, Nial has partnered with numerous organizations, helping to bring additional opportunities and resources to create pathways for job training and workforce development in Baton Rouge His deep connection to Louisiana has led him to take an active role in addressing key issues across a wide range of industries.
Hyma Moore Principal
CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES
MarkMioduski
SeniorConsultant|Washington,D.C.
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Congratulations to Mark Mioduski on his recognition as a 2025 Award Winner with our client of over 20 years, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Each year, ASPPH honors those who have demonstrated groundbreaking achievements in education, research, practice, student services and community engagement - fields that are vital to advancing public health at every level Mark’s efforts have helped shape impactful initiatives and foster long-lasting partnerships that continue to support the advancement of public health education and practice.
AmySouders
Principal&Director|Washington,D.C.
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Congratulations to Amy Souders on receiving a Distinguished Partnership Award from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recognizing her outstanding public health service to the citizens of the Great Lakes Region, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin Amy’s commitment and dedication to collaboration on vital HHS programs throughout her career has strengthened the nation’s public health and supported fiftytwo million Americans across the region Her efforts in advancing health initiatives and fostering key partnerships have made a profound impact, and this recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to improving public health.
EllenValentino
SeniorConsultant|Annapolis,MD,Dover,DE,DistrictofColumbia
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Congratulations to Ellen Valentino on her retirement this spring. Ellen joined Cornerstone in December 2019, and has brought more than 30 years of lobbying expertise in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia to our firm. Ellen has been instrumental in helping build out the firm’s Mid-Atlantic presence and has been an integral part of our client service across the region. We are incredibly grateful for Ellen’s leadership and expertise, which has left a lasting impact on our firm and clients alike. We wish Ellen all the best as she moves into this exciting new chapter!
LydiaVergheggen
SeniorConsultant|Washington,D.C.
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Congratulations to Lydia Verheggen on her retirement this spring. Lydia has spent eight years with Cornerstone, serving on our OpsWatch and federal government relations teams Lydia’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in developing and expanding our grant consulting capability and team. Her contributions will have a lasting impact, and we are incredibly thankful for her tremendous leadership, work ethic and commitment to the firm’s team approach We wish Lydia all the best!
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
State Government Relations
Federal Government Relations Operations
Cooper Moore Associate (LA)
2025 Spring Intern Class
Cornerstone welcomed our 2025 Spring Intern Class in January. This group of 25 talented young professionals has spent the semester exploring the fields of government relations, public affairs and operations. We are thankful to have this group on our team and for their work supporting the firm’s policy, appropriations, research, public affairs, business advisory services, compliance and overall operations efforts!
Applications for our Fall 2025 Intern Class are open now! Learn more and apply on our website here.
Colleen Moss Principal (D.C.)
Danny Smith Senior Consultant (D.C.)
Terry Van Doren Principal (D.C.)
Andy Flick Principal (D.C.)
Amanda Kronenberger Associate (D.C.)
Abby Strickler Communications Manager (D.C.)
