The Cornerstone Experience: Q2 2025

Quarterly Highlights

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Cornerstone board members pictured at their annual retreat, alongside friends of the firm.

THE CORNERSTONE EXPERIENCE Stay informed with the latest insights and updates, as we bring you closer to the people, events and stories shaping our work.

COLORADO | DELAWARE | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | GEORGIA | ILLINOIS | IOWA | KENTUCKY LOUISIANA | MAINE | MARYLAND | MISSISSIPPI | NEVADA | NEW HAMPSHIRE OKLAHOMA | SOUTH CAROLINA | TEXAS

A LETTER FROM THE CEO Clients, Family and Friends, Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded of the old Latin proverb, “I will either find a way or make one,” which is at the heart of effort and commitment.

This motto has been foundational to Cornerstone’s work for more than 20 years. I watched this play out when we took a leap to begin offering services at the state level in 2008, became an ESOP in 2016 and added a public affairs practice in 2017.

More importantly, I see this every day as our team secures wins for clients, not by sheer luck, but by talent, commitment, perseverance and excellence.

In this edition of The Cornerstone Experience, you’ll see a snapshot of these successes and the incredible clients that we serve, with a particular focus on our state teams whose legislatures have adjourned since our Q1 newsletter. Obstacles that our team and clients faced this quarter have not defeated us, but have guided and strengthened us.

Out state teams worked day-and-night to deliver results in 15 states and Washington, D.C. They met with legislators, staffers and clients to build bridges and advocate for core priorities. The results - some of which you will find on the coming pages - speak for themselves.

Our Cornerstone colleagues are undeniably talented, but nothing equals the value of human connection. As an employee-owned company, people come first. In the last few months, we have hired eight new employees, celebrated three weddings, watched three employees complete a half-marathon, welcomed three new babies and celebrated the retirement of a colleague of 20 years. I can personally attest that this is only scratching the surface of this incredible team’s dedication outside the office.

Whether walking the halls of Congress, meeting with legislators at state houses, joining clients at events, speaking with the press or celebrating personal achievements, Cornerstone’s dedication is evident.

Thank you for trusting Cornerstone to be committed to your cause and enabling us to be the Best in the Business.

Sincerely, Geoff J. Gonella Chief Executive Officer

SUCCESS IS IN SESSION

Did you know that Cornerstone has grown to have offices in 15 states and Washington, D.C.? In the last three months, our state teams have adjourned for the summer after securing major wins for their clients.

GEORGIA

COLORADO

Our client, the American Cancer Society Cancer Advocate Network came to the Georgia Capitol for World Cancer Day. During their visit, they were able to meet with several elected officials, including Senator Carden Summers.

Intuit completed their More With AI Tour, a nationwide roadshow which brought free AI workshops to businesses from coast to coast.

The tour promoted responsible AI use and gave businesses the tools to compete.

ILLINOIS City of Hope, a nationally recognized nonprofit cancer hospital, secured the inclusion of hospital tax reassessment language in Illinois’ Medicaid omnibus legislation. The change ensures more equitable treatment for nonprofit specialty hospitals and expands access to care for Medicaid patients. Cornerstone was proud to support City of Hope in navigating negotiations and advocating for this solution, which passed as part of the broader Medicaid package.

SUCCESS IS IN SESSION IOWA

One of the Iowa Dental Association’s (IDA) top legislative priorities - a comprehensive dental insurance reform bill - was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in a ceremonial bill signing. The law will give dentists more clarity and confidence during the claims process and reduce administrative burdens in day-today practice. IDA also secured a $2.1 million increase in dental Medicaid reimbursement rates this session.

OKLAHOMA Susan G. Komen had groundbreaking victories for breast cancer care in Oklahoma this session. They secured the passage of SB 109, mandating insurance coverage without cost-sharing for genetic testing and counseling for those at increased risk of breast cancer. They also championed HB 1389, which guarantees no cost-sharing for medically necessary diagnostic breast imaging - including MRIs, ultrasounds and diagnostic mammograms - and successfully led the veto override to make it law. These milestones position Oklahoma as the first state in the nation to enact the most comprehensive breast cancer coverage protections. Our Oklahoma team was proud to support this important work every step of the way.

Our clients, LS Power, AGC Maine, Clearway and RENEW Northeast secured the passage of An Act Regarding the Approval of Transmission Lines. The law streamlines the siting process for transmission projects, helping reduce delays and improve regulatory certainty for energy and infrastructure development in Maine. Congratulations on this win during the 2025 legislative session!

MAINE

SUCCESS IS IN SESSION

MARYLAND

MISSISSIPPI

The Baltimore County Public Library secured $20.85 million in state funding for the Randallstown Library, enabling a major investment in one of the county’s most vital community hubs. In addition, the library successfully opposed legislation that would have permitted supervisors and managers to collectively bargain.

The Mississippi Association of Health Plans Annual Conference shattered its attendance record in June. This event brought together health insurers, policymakers and healthcare professionals to discuss the forces behind healthcare cost increases and the impact of government mandates on rising prices for businesses and consumers.

ECL Entertainment successfully advocated for language in the state’s budget which would legalize Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at a 31.25% tax rate. In addition, the language enables the state to remove maximum bet limits on VLTs. The state will distribute 35% of revenue from VLTs to local charities with the remaining funds going to its general fund.

TEXAS

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Texas Medical Center (TMC) played a leading role in the passage of Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) - a new state entity aimed at accelerating research and innovation around dementia and related neurological disorders. This legislation was a high priority and Cornerstone was proud to support TMC’s leadership in navigating this major policy initiative from development to passage.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION Our client The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) hosted their U.S. Legislative Summit in June. GBTA members met with representatives to discuss policies shaping the future of business travel, including sustainability and workforce development. Members from 38 GBTA chapters traveled to the Capitol, where they met with a collective 93 offices.

LIFEBRIDGE HEALTH Congratulations to our client LifeBridge Health on celebrating the completion of a $61.6 million transformation of Grace Medical Center in West Baltimore, marking a major milestone in the fiveyear modernization of the former Bon Secours Hospital. This final phase features the opening of state-of-the-art adult and pediatric behavioral health clinics and a new facility entrance with expanded parking and green space - all designed to better serve the West Baltimore community. LifeBridge hosted a ribboncutting ceremony on April 29th, followed by a community open house featuring tours and health screenings.

SMITH + NEPHEW

FDRA

Congratulations to Smith+Nephew for being selected for a single award, 10-year contract for up to $75 million to provide RENASYS TOUCH Negative Pressure Wound Therapy systems to the Department of Defense.

The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has appeared in 150+ unique media hits in just six months. Through this campaign, FDRA has reached 285+ million people and become a leading voice on tariffs and trade.

EVENTS & ENGAGEMENTS CORNERSTONE TEAM GOES TO ICSC LAS VEGAS Cornerstone team members recently had the opportunity to attend ISCS Las Vegas where they discussed collaborations between cities & developers, heard from retail site selectors on the value of story and built relationships with municipal leaders from around the country. With a growing state and municipal practice group, the event was insightful opportunity for Cornerstone to connect with city and county economic developers.

PRINCIPALS OFFER RECONCILIATION OVERVIEW Cornerstone Principals Ron Storhaug, John Sandell and Terry Van Doren traveled to Texas to lead indepth discussions on the reconciliation bill’s implications for local leaders. Over 50 federal clients and their members attended sessions with the Dallas Regional Chamber and Greater Houston Partnership. One key takeaway: businesses are looking to the Administration for increased certainty as they evaluate the impacts of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, alongside their concerns about tariffs. Read more on our blog here.

A SUCCESSFUL SOUTHERN LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE Cornerstone’s state team members recently went to Birmingham, Alabama, for the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). The firm proudly hosted its annual SLC reception, bringing together clients, legislators and friends of the firm. The gathering highlighted Cornerstone’s deep presence and influence across the South, including in Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.

IN THE PRESS Jimmy Peacock joined Cornerstone in May 2025, after spending nearly a decade on Capitol Hill. Punchbowl shared the news following our announcement: “Jimmy Peacock, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s (R-Mo.) chief of staff, is heading to Cornerstone Government Affairs.

“Peacock has been Schmitt’s chief of staff since Day One, helping build out the newly elected senator’s offices in Washington and Missouri. Peacock was also chief of staff to Rep. Ashley Hinson (Iowa), a rising star in the House Republican Conference.“

Jimmy Peacock Principal

We’re proud to welcome Jimmy to our team. You can read more in Punchbowl by clicking here.

Lauren Tomlinson and Hyma Moore, Principals on Cornerstone’s public affairs team, appeared on BBC World News together in June to provide their partisan perspectives on the Administration's immigration policies and the public’s subsequent response.

Jack Belcher Principal

Sarah Venuto Principal

Cornerstone Principals Jack Belcher and Sarah Venuto were featured on Veriten’s podcast, C.O.B. Tuesday, where they discussed U.S. energy policy changes following the passage of One Big Beautiful Bill.

Jack shared his perspective on the “winners” and “losers” in the bill, broke down major changes to clean energy tax credits, and explained the pullback of funds originally authorized for use under the IRA. Sarah described the rapidly changing energy policy landscape, from reduced enforcement capacity due to the return to traditional energy provisions.

Tune into the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or by clicking here.

CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES MIKE VLACICH Principal | Concord, NH Congratulations to Mike Vlacich on receiving the Champion of Commerce Award from the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire. Mike was recognized for his dedication to initiatives that strengthen New Hampshire’s economy and business climate. Our firm enjoyed the opportunity to champion BIA’s work by hosting their DC Fly-In on June 10th-11th.

MANNY GERALDO Principal | Washington, D.C. (local) and Annapolis, MD Congratulations to Manny Geraldo on his completion of the Leadership Montgomery CORE program. The dynamic program is designed for experienced leaders to gain a deeper understanding of local issues, connect with other key decision-makers and explore ways to collaboratively strengthen the community. Over a nine month period, participants engage in a hands-on learning curriculum that includes in-depth discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing Montgomery County. Participants leave the program with access to an alumni network of 2,500+ leaders.

MARC GOLDBERG Principal | Concord, NH Congratulations to Marc Goldberg on his recognition as one of New Hampshire Business Review’s #NH200 for his impact as a local changemaker. New Hampshire 200 is a list of 200 influential business leaders who have made their mark on the state’s economy, business climate and the state as a whole.

CORNERSTONE NAMED TOP LOBBYING FIRM

BY BLOOMBERG GOVERNMENT Cornerstone was honored to be recognized as a Top-Performing Lobbying Firm by Bloomberg Government (BGOV) in April. BGOV analyzed growth in revenue, growth in average revenue per client, short- and long-term customer retention rates and revenue per registered lobbyist. As an employee-owned firm, it’s a particular honor for Cornerstone to be recognized for tripling our growth in the last decade.

Read the press release on the news by clicking here.

COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES

APRIL 9, 2025 John Buscher (pictured far left) was recognized as an original player in the Congressional Basketball Game. Kevin Cheng (pictured far right) took to the court in the Lobbyists vs Staffers game.

APRIL 2025

MAY 3, 2025

Congratulations to Katelyn Bunning and her husband, Eric, on the birth of their daughter, Mary Conner.

Congratulations to Abby Darwin and her husband, Daniel, on their wedding!

COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES

MAY 17, 2025

MAY 23, 2025

Megan Davisson, Lucy Lasseur and Juliet Wishner celebrated completing the Colfax Half Marathon in Colorado!

Congratulations to Andy Flick and his husband, David, on their wedding!

JUNE 24, 2025

JULY 2025

Lauren McCay, Charlie Hannema and Brian Hackler celebrated the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first NBA Championship.

Congratulations to Molly Smith and her husband, Gillin, on the arrival of their son, Flynn!

COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES

JULY 2025

JULY 12, 2025

Congratulations to Jack Coogan, and his wife Tori, on the birth of their daughter, Claire!

Congratulations to Kirsten Koch and her husband, John, on their wedding!

JULY 18, 2025

JULY 21, 2025

Cornerstone celebrated the retirement of our colleague of 20 years, Fred Clark, at our annual summer picnic.

Lilly Russell participated in the bipartisan Politics and Prose Golf Classic, benefiting First Tee of Greater Washington.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Kelly Burke

Jessie Calio

Logan Castellanos

Senior Consultant (IL)

Principal (D.C.)

Associate (D.C.)

Hannah Dahl

Jimmy Peacock

Associate (D.C.)

Principal (D.C.)

OPERATIONS

Jack Coogan

Maggie O’Boyle

Lilly Russell

Controller (D.C.)

Controller (D.C.)

Executive Assistant (D.C.)

2025 SUMMER INTERN CLASS Cornerstone welcomed our 2025 Summer Intern Class in May. This group of 23 talented young professionals is spending the summer exploring the fields of government relations, public affairs and operations. Get to know this class on Cornerstone’s blog by clicking here.

Applications for our Spring 2026 Intern Class are open now!

Learn more and apply on our website here.

CONTACT US 800 Maine Avenue, SW 7th Floor Washington, DC 20024 www.cgagroup.com

202.448.9500 @Cornerstone Government Affairs @CGAGroup

COLORADO | DELAWARE | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | GEORGIA ILLINOIS | IOWA | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MAINE | MARYLAND MISSISSIPPI | NEVADA | NEW HAMPSHIRE | OKLAHOMA SOUTH CAROLINA | TEXAS