The Cornerstone Experience: Q3 2025

Quarterly Highlights

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Cornerstone’s D.C. office at its annual Day of Service at SHARE Food Network.

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, Many of our country’s greatest cities have a tendency to draw in likeminded people.

Los Angeles is home to Hollywood’s best actors. New York entices finance moguls.

Nashville draws in country music stars.

Like these cities, those who come to Washington – or enter our field – arrive with a mission in mind. Some are driven by a passion for a particular policy area such as agriculture, defense, energy or health. Others are motivated by a deep love for their hometown or state, determined to advocate for the people who shaped them. Still, others find themselves drawn to storytelling, helping shape narratives and navigate murky waters. Whatever the motivation, a common goal unites us all: service to our community and country.

Cornerstone was founded with this mission in mind – aiming to serve our clients with confidence and excellence, creating opportunities and solving problems for those navigating government, public opinion and media.

As a bipartisan firm, our shared mission enables us to collaborate seamlessly across party lines. More importantly, this mission enables us to roll up our sleeves and make an immediate impact on the communities we call home.

This fall, Cornerstone’s offices across the country have partnered with local nonprofits to support the vital work they do each day. From preparing meals and weeding gardens to leading donation drives, our team has shown up to serve others in inspiring ways.

In the pages ahead, you’ll find snapshots of these efforts and highlights from the incredible organizations we’ve supported through our Community Engagement Program this fall. You’ll also discover stories from colleagues who are sharing their time and talents with organizations close to their heart – such as Alpha Kappa Alpha, First Tee and American Cancer Society – as well as from clients who are making a difference in the communities where they operate.

These stories, while not exhaustive, reflect the spirit of service at the heart of Cornerstone’s mission.

I’m incredibly proud of how our firm and employee-owners continue to live out this mission each day. We hope these stories inspire you to pursue your own passions and make an impact in your community.

Thank you for trusting Cornerstone to champion your cause and for helping us to remain the Best in the Business.

Sincerely,

Geoff J. Gonella Chief Executive Officer

IN THIS EDITION Click a page number below to jump ahead.

Service Is In Session ......................................................................................................................... Page 4 See highlights from our Days of Service & donation drives

Cornerstone In The Community ............................................................................................. Page 8 Read how our employee-owners are making an impact

Client Spotlight .................................................................................................................................. Page 10 Find success stories from Cornerstone clients

Events & Engagements ................................................................................................................ Page 11 Discover the latest highlights and happenings at Cornerstone

In The Press ........................................................................................................................................... Page 12 See three Cornerstone media mentions you’ll want to know

Cornerstone Accolades ............................................................................................................... Page 13 Find the latest awards and honors

Colleague Chronicles .................................................................................................................... Page 15 Celebrate marriages, new family members and more

New Team Members ...................................................................................................................... Page 17 Meet our newest hires across nationwide offices

SERVICE IS IN SESSION ADDRESSING BASIC NEEDS

We believe that meaningful change begins when individuals have access to the essential resources, support systems and opportunities that allow them to thrive.

As such, we’ve adopted four key pillars for service - Addressing Basic Needs, Physical & Mental Health, Education & Youth Development and Workforce Development. This fall, our offices have participated in Days of Service and donation drives to turn these pillars into actions.

SHARE FOOD NETWORK

D.C.

Our D.C. office volunteered at SHARE Food Network, where they assisted in building 2,700 food packages filled with meal essentials to be distributed at a fraction of the retail value throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.

BATON ROUGE AREA FOOD BANK Our Louisiana office dedicated their time to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. They were thrilled to partner with such a vital organization, helping to sort and pack food for those in need.

LOUISIANA

BATON ROUGE ATLANTA MISSION’S SHEPHERD’S INN

ATLANTA

Our Georgia office volunteered at the Atlanta Mission’s Shepherd’s Inn, preparing lunch and dinner for those experiencing homelessness.

KID’S MEALS INC. Our Houston office worked with Kid’s Meals Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission of ending childhood hunger, to assemble over 10,000 meals to be delivered to children and their families.

LOUISIANA

HOUSTON

SERVICE IS IN SESSION ADDRESSING BASIC NEEDS

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

CHICAGO

Our Chicago office had the privilege of volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where they organized and packaged meals to help support local food pantries.

TRAVIS MILLS FOUNDATION Our Maine office set up for the Travis Mills Foundation Plane Pull, where teams compete to pull a 45-ton FedEx plane across 20 feet tarmac to support post-911 recalibrated veterans and their families served by the Foundation.

LOUISIANA

AUGUSTA

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY INSTITUTE

MID-ATLANTIC

Our Mid-Atlantic offices volunteered at the Community Ecology Institute. They spent the day at Freetown Farm to plant arugula for the garden, harvest vegetables and weed plants.

STEWPOT COMMUNITY SERVICES Our Mississippi office volunteered at the Stewpot Community Services clothes closet.

They organized donations to create more seamless shopping experience for patrons.

LOUISIANA

JACKSON

LEARN MORE ABOUT CORNERSTONE’S COMMITMENT TO GIVING BACK HERE.

SERVICE IS IN SESSION ADDRESSING BASIC NEEDS

COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM BELKNAPMERRIMACK COUNTIES

CONCORD

Our New Hampshire office volunteered at the Community Action Program BelknapMerrimack Counties’ food pantry to deliver food and stock shelves.

PROJECT 66 Our Oklahoma office volunteered at Project 66, a free of charge grocery store, where we helped serve as ‘shoppers’ for several folks visiting the grocery store.

LOUISIANA

OKLAHOMA CITY CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK

AUSTIN

At Central Texas Food Bank, our Austin office sorted 14,960 pounds worth of produce, providing 12,467 meals for Central Texas families.

CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM As part of our commitment to serving our communities, we created the Cornerstone Community Engagement Program, which provides $1,000 annually to each of our employee owners for the sole purpose of supporting the charities or causes most meaningful to them. Cornerstone makes a taxdeductible contribution on each employee’s behalf to amplify the impact of their generosity and demonstrate our shared commitment to giving back.

In addition to our firmwide Day of Service, this program deepens our ability to make a tangible difference - empowering every employee to extend Cornerstone’s culture and service beyond the office and into the communities and organizations where help is needed most.

SERVICE IS IN SESSION EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

244 BACKPACKS $2,845 RAISED donated to children

to support youth initiatives

JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY & AMIDONBOWEN ELEMENTARY Our D.C. office raised $1,295 and collected enough supplies to fill 100 backpacks, which were distributed to Jefferson Middle School Academy, Amidon-Bowen Elementary School, and the Christ Child Society’s Girls on the Rise program.

D.C. DENVER HUMAN SERVICES Our Denver office collected and dropped off school supplies for Denver Human Services, supporting their back-to-school initiative.

DENVER CHILD ADVOCACY SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST GEORGIA Our Atlanta office raised $1,000 to support the work of Child Advocacy Services of Southeast Georgia.

This nonprofit serves children who are survivors of abuse and neglect in Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven counties.

ATLANTA NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

MID-ATLANTIC

Our Mid-Atlantic offices raised over $550 in donations to be able to purchase 144 backpacks for students in metro Baltimore.

These backpacks were distributed during National Night Out.

CORNERSTONE IN THE COMMUNITY

In addition to the incredible work they do on behalf of our clients, many of our employee owners are deeply engaged in their communities - dedicating their time, talent and energy to volunteer work and service efforts that make a difference. From mentoring and youth programs to civic engagement and local fundraising, their impact extends far beyond the walls of Cornerstone.

CAMILLE SCALES YOUNG Camille Scales Young believes that, “to whom much is given, much is required.”

She dedicates time and energy to causes that strengthen her community through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Within AKA, she co-leads a sister squad to foster deeper connections, serves on the Southeastern Region P.O.I.S.E. leadership committee and contributes to the Advocate for Social Justice Committee. At MCM, she supports planning and development efforts and advocates for its ongoing capital campaign.

MISSISSIPPI

SUZANNE BATTISTA & MADELEINE DIAKIWKSI Suzanne Battista and Madeleine Diakiwski serve together on the Board of Directors of the Christ Child Society of Washington, D.C. (CCS-DC), a nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families in need. CCS-DC serves 10,000+ families per year through its programs, which provide material goods, early literacy and tutoring as well as emotional support services. Suzanne currently serves as Treasurer of the Board, and Madeleine is the Immediate Past President.

Suzanne and Madeleine are both driven by CCS-DC's motto that "nothing is ever too much to do for a child.” Their dedication stems not only from a shared belief in the dignity and potential of every child, but also from the knowledge that CCS-DC’s work creates a ripple effect – strengthening families, empowering communities and building a more compassionate future.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

NIAL PATEL Nial Patel’s philanthropic efforts are guided by the question, ”If not us, then who?”

“My belief in active community engagement is the driving force behind my charitable work. We can't let the demands of our professional lives make us forget the essential need to care for the world around us.”

To live out these values, he works with with the Joe Burrow Foundation, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, New Schools for Baton Rouge and other local organizations.

LOUISIANA

CORNERSTONE IN THE COMMUNITY

DAVID ADELMAN David Adelman plays an active role in the Des Moines community through both civic leadership and youth mentorship.

“I’m proud to support the Des Moines Jewish community as the President of the Jewish Federation's Foundation through work that strengthens interfaith dialogue and education within the Jewish and non-Jewish community. I also serve as the President and a coach of Rider Club Football, a youth program in Des Moines, helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills on and off the field.”

IOWA

TONY ESSALIH Tony Essalih says “Volunteering is a big part of our family identity.”

Tony co-chaired the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network Houston Research and Health Equity Breakfast earlier this year and has also served on a handful of host committees for other regional charities. “I've also coached church soccer, basketball and softball teams for the kids." His wife, Jess, serves on the board of the Junior League of Houston and the Houston Botanic Garden.

TEXAS

CHRIS CARPENTER Chris Carpenter serves on the Board of Trustees for his alma mater, Wofford College helping shape the future of education.

“It has been my honor to serve on the Wofford College Board of Trustees for the past 12 years, with the last five as Chair.” As part of his role, Chris is supporting the College’s search for its 12th president. “This final year is being shaped by the many changes in Division I sports, and my involvement in the search for a new President.”

GEORGIA

ELLIOTT FLAGGS In 2015, Elliott Flaggs and two of his friends successfully started a nonprofit, Life Enhancement and Achievement Program, that worked with the National First Tee executive team to charter Mississippi’s only First Tee chapter, the First Tee of Central Mississippi. The organization is actively engaged with youth ages 6-18 across Mississippi at several golf courses and public school districts. The program now serves close to 1,000 students.

MISSISSIPPI

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT HONORING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH WITH SUSAN G. KOMEN

This October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are proud to highlight the important work of our client Susan G. Komen across three states - Maryland, New Hampshire and Oklahoma. Komen embodies the spirit of service through its tireless commitment to advancing research, improving access to care, advocating for patients and survivors. Their mission to save lives is one we are honored to stand behind, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.

PROMOTING RURAL HEALTH In September, Cornerstone and ASTHO Health convened a panel to discuss the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was established in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Leaders from across the country joined the panel to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.

QUIKTRIP MAKES AN IMPACT Cornerstone client QuikTrip was spotlighted by NBC12 in Phoenix for World Homeless Day on October 10th, highlighting its $4.3 million donation to Phoenix Rescue Mission. The feature showcased the incredible impact of the partnership and underscored QuikTrip’s commitment to reinvesting 5% of net profits into the communities where its employees live and work.

EVENTS & ENGAGEMENTS CORNERSTONE’S ANNUAL CBC ALC RECEPTION Cornerstone recently hosted our annual CBC ALC Reception. This event brought together nearly 500 Black leaders from government, business, education and nonprofit organizations for an incredible night of networking and celebration.

Thank you to all those who joined us for this event and to our sponsors!

ASSOCIATE & AVP OFFSITE Cornerstone’s Associates and Assistant Vice Presidents gathered in D.C. in September for their annual Offsite. They spent time honing their skills, sharing best practices, focusing on professional development and bonding as one team. Several members of Cornerstone’s board of directors also joined them for the event.

We’re grateful colleagues!

for

this

incredible

group

DALLAS REGIONAL CHAMBER Cornerstone Principal Matt Garcia sat down with the Dallas Regional Chamber to discuss civic engagement in the region and his experience as an alumni of their Young Professionals (YP) program. He also spoke on professional growth and how to cultivate the next generation of leaders through young professionals groups.

“YP prepared me to serve on the various boards I have the privilege of serving today. During my tenure [as a YP board member], the Get on Board event was created, [which] connected many area non-profits seeking qualified candidates with our very talented YP cohort,” said Garcia.

Read the story here.

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IN THE PRESS Jimmy Centers Talks Iowa Senate Race with the Des Moines Register Cornerstone Managing Principal Jimmy Centers recently sat down with the Des Moines Register to discuss Iowa’s upcoming U.S. Senate race, and U.S. Representative Ashely Hinson’s campaign after she received endorsements from President Trump and other GOP officials.

LEARN MORE

Paul Rainwater Reflects on Hurricane Katrina Recovery, 20 Years Later Cornerstone Senior Consultant Paul Rainwater recently sat down with WWL First News in New Orleans to reflect on the resounding impact of Hurricane Katrina and his role in disaster recovery efforts 20 years ago.

LEARN MORE

POLITICO Features Patrick Flood Joining Cornerstone’s National Security Practice Politico’s National Security Daily Newsletter highlights Patrick Flood joining Cornerstone’s National Security practice group as a Principal.

Patrick is a retired Air Force Colonel and comes to the firm from Rep. Don Bacon’s (R-NE) office.

LEARN MORE

CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES CHARLES CARITHERS Principal | Washington, DC Congratulations to Charles Carithers on being named to the CBC Power 100. CBC Power 100 is a celebration of Black leaders in law, politics, business and medicine who are significantly influencing their industries. We're grateful for Charles’ leadership at Cornerstone and beyond!

SARAH BOWLING Vice President | Frankfort, Kentucky Congratulations to Sarah Bowling on being selected for the 2025-2026 class of Leadership Lexington. Leadership Lexington offers a unique platform to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the City of Lexington. The class includes 54 leaders, offering them opportunities to deepen connections to Lexington and collaborate with leaders across sectors to help shape the future of the Lexington community.

CORNERSTONE NAMED TOP LOBBYING FIRM IN GEORGIA BY JAMES MAGAZINE Cornerstone’s Georgia office was recognized as the #2 lobbying firm in the state by James Magazine. We're proud to share that Jeff Hamling, Sally Kilpatrick, Lawrence Bell, Chris Carpenter, Jerry Usry and Shalamar Parham were all named as 'Top 100 Lobbyists' in the state.

Congratulations also to Charlene Puchalla and Amir Sports for being named 'Rising Stars' in Georgia! Learn more about our work in Georgia here.

CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES MARK MIODUSKI Senior Consultant | Washington, DC Congratulations to Mark Mioduski for receiving the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention’s Public Policy Award.

This award is given to an individual who has effectively advanced policy change that reduces the burden of heart disease and stroke on a national, state or local level. Over his four decades as a public servant and lobbyist, Mark has played a substantive role in securing resources to implement the national Public Health Action Plan to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke. He has guided health advocates in advancing policies that protect and promote health for everyone, everywhere.

MATT SCHNAPPAUF Principal | Washington, DC Congratulations to Matt Schnappauf for being chosen as a 2025 Top Lobbyist recipient by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). This annual recognition honors exceptional lobbying professionals through a strictly merit-based process. The list includes a group of high caliber professionals who make up the advocacy community. With over 50,000 state and federal lobbyists across the country, the recognition is an impressive and well-earned accomplishment that highlights the extraordinary contributions Matt has made to the profession.

CORNERSTONE NAMED AS A FINALIST FOR 2025 PR DAILY AWARDS Cornerstone Public Affairs has been named as a finalist for the 2025 PR Daily Awards by Ragan Communications—one of the most prestigious honors in the public relations industry.

The recognition celebrates our team’s outstanding work in media relations for our client Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America! View the Media Relations nomination here.

COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES

AUGUST 13TH

AUGUST 19TH

Julia Larkin married her husband Paris Leber on August 13, 2025 - which is also her birthday!

Christian Walker and his fiancé Cesar Toledo got engaged on August 19th in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

AUGUST 27TH

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Jessie Calio and her husband, Daniel, welcomed a baby boy, John “Jack” Ehrlich.

Abi Kinnard married her husband Daniel Dela Cruz on September 13th, celebrating with their pup, Piper.

COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES

SEPTEMBER 24TH

OCTOBER 21ST

Joe Barton and his wife, Alicia, welcomed a baby girl, Anne Barton.

Katelyn Anderson and her husband Jake welcomed a baby girl, Harriet Anderson.

OCTOBER 24TH

OCTOBER 27TH

Jordan Gleason and his wife Lauren welcomed a baby boy, Edward Gleason.

Corey Elder and his wife Samantha welcomed a baby boy, Henderson Elder.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Laura Alexander Principal (TX)

Steven Barker Principal (OK)

Patrick Flood Principal (D.C.)

Zoe Halfmann Principal (TX)

Mackenzie Hansen Associate (D.C.)

Justin Jeter Associate (KY)

Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio Associate (D.C.)

Peter O’Neill Senior Associate (NH)

Stephen Sandora Principal (D.C.)

Sara Strickland Associate (D.C.)

OPERATIONS

Catherine Avary Marketing Coordinator (IL)

Visit our LinkedIn for a full list of open positions.

Honoring the memory of

Michael Falencki 1978 - 2025

This edition of the Cornerstone Experience is dedicated to the life and legacy of Michael Falencki, our colleague and friend. We continue to honor Michael’s life and career by dedicating ourselves to the betterment of our communities. Additional details about Michael’s life and how you can honor his memory are available here.