THE CORNERSTONE EXPERIENCE
SUCCESS IS IS IN IN SESSION SESSION SUCCESS Discover legislative wins from Cornerstone clients from coast to coast, plus celebrate the launch of our new Tennessee office.
NATIONAL REACH. LOCAL IMPACT.
A LETTER FROM THE CEO Clients, Family and Friends, I’ve spent much of the last few weeks reflecting on how quickly summer goes by. The excitement of Memorial Day is well behind us, we soared past Independence Day, and Labor Day is already on the horizon. Summer serves as a yearly reminder of how important it is to pause and appreciate the people and moments that matter most. Whether it is time spent with family and friends at the beach, around a backyard firepit, at a neighborhood barbecue, on a vacation or simply enjoying a longer evening outside, these are the moments that help us reconnect with what is most important in our lives. This season offers an important reminder for the need to rest, relax and recharge. This intentional time away from the office allows us to return to work with renewed energy, fresh perspective and a greater appreciation for both our personal and professional commitments. With legislative sessions across the country adjourned Sine Die, Cornerstone’s state offices have spent the summer celebrating significant accomplishments and milestones achieved alongside our clients – some of which you’ll see highlighted in the coming pages. In a fast-paced world, it can be tempting to focus solely on what comes next without taking time to recognize how far we’ve come. Yet, reflecting on our successes, understanding what made them possible and identifying opportunities for growth better positions us to finish the year with purpose, confidence and determination. As you read this summer’s edition of The Cornerstone Experience, I hope you will reflect on your own accomplishments and challenges, both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I hope you will find time to rest, relax and reflect as summer draws to a close. Sincerely,
Geoff J. Gonella Chief Executive Officer
IN THIS EDITION Click a page number below to jump ahead.
Tennessee Launch ............................................................................................................................ Page 4 Celebrate the launch of Cornerstone’s Tennessee office Success is in Session ....................................................................................................................... Page 5 Read about the wins our clients achieved during 2026 state legislative sessions Events & Engagements ................................................................................................................ Page 8 Discover the latest highlights and happenings from our team In the Press .............................................................................................................................................. Page 9 Catch up on the latest insights and media mentions Cornerstone Accolades ............................................................................................................................... Page 10 Find awards and honors received by our employee-owners Colleague Chronicles .................................................................................................................... Page 11 Celebrate engagements, weddings and new family members New Team Members ...................................................................................................................... Page 13 Meet Cornerstone’s newest hires across nationwide offices
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OFFICE LAUNCH
TENNESSEE TENNESSEE
KEVIN CRAWFORD
J.P. HOMIK
GARRETT JOHNSON
Cornerstone’s continued growth reached a new milestone this summer with the launch of our Nashville office, expanding the firm’s presence into Tennessee. Kevin Crawford, J.P Homik and Garrett Johnson bring a combined 45 years of experience in public and private sectors to Cornerstone, having served both under Governor Bill Haslam and as private sector consultants. “Tennessee is shaping major policy conversations at the state and federal level, making Nashville a natural next step for Cornerstone,” - Cornerstone President Campbell Kaufman
Read the full press release here.
SUCCESS IS IN SESSION COLORADO
Spectra Centers championed a bill to allow facility schools to enroll in PERA (the state's public pension plan), which was a huge win after a decades-long battle. Educators and staff serving students with behavioral or special education needs will now have access to critical retirement benefits.
DELAWARE
D.C. LOCAL
Major League Baseball secured passage of legislation in Delaware to implement its collective bargaining agreement with minor league baseball players. The bill was sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, a lifelong baseball enthusiast, who knocked it out of the park.
Sports Betting Alliance secured passage of the Budget Support Act of 2026, which includes the establishment of the Internet Gaming Revenue Fund and presumes the future authorization of iGaming in Washington, D.C.
ILLINOIS Secure AI led a coalition of Illinois legislators, the Governor's office and other industry stakeholders in passing the strongest AI regulations in the country. As passed, the legislation requires large artificial intelligence developers to establish a safety plan and submit to third-party audits, protecting citizens across the state from catastrophic risks.
SUCCESS IS IN SESSION IOWA Iowa Travel Industry Partners secured $40+ million in investments for tourism marketing, destination development, parks, trails, arts and culture and more. Key victories included removing harmful school start date language from the education omnibus bill and authorizing social districts for cities. In addition, they secured funding for the Iowa Tourism Office, Destination Iowa, CAT grants, Regional Sports Authority Districts, the National Junior Olympics, Iowa State Fair infrastructure, state parks, water trails and lake restoration projects.
OKLAHOMA The Oklahoma Dental Association passed SB 1942, closing a fifteen-year loophole in Oklahoma's "non-covered" services law. This officially eliminated interference from dental insurance carriers for setting prices for services they do not provide coverage contractually.
LOUISIANA Waymo successfully inserted amendment language which grants Louisiana exclusive jurisdiction over autonomous commercial motor vehicles. This win for the future of AV deployment establishes statewide regulatory uniformity and eliminates the potential for conflicting rules across individual cities and parishes. This amendment also gave Waymo the operational certainty needed to confidently invest in infrastructure, map corridors and scale commercial operations across Louisiana’s highways.
MAINE
SUCCESS IS IN SESSION MAINE Bold Coast Energy and Freedom Energy Logistics secured legislation authorizing community choice aggregation plans. The law allows municipalities and counties to develop energy plans to pool their residents’ buying power to help meet local goals — e.g. affordability, renewable energy, or both.
MARYLAND
MISSISSIPPI
AstraZeneca secured the passage of priority legislation which will authorize pharmacists to administer FluMist (a nasal flu vaccine) for self-administration. Company leaders attended the bill signing with Governor Wes Moore in April. In addition, the company protected $14 million in the Governor’s FY27 budget.
The Great City MS Foundation, a nonprofit focused on creating a thriving Jackson, has for years championed a new public-private partnership to revitalize a shuttered state park in the Capitol City. Cornerstone worked to secure $13 million for the LeFleur’s Bluff Conservancy to build new amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in the region.
Major League Baseball introduced language to support their collective bargaining agreement with the Player's Association as a non-germane amendment in the Senate mid-session. SB 655 successfully passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, and will provide a minimum wage exemption for Minor League Baseball players. The bill was signed into law in June by Governor Ayotte.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
EVENTS & ENGAGEMENTS CORNERSTONE PUBLIC AFFAIRS: BUILDING OUR TEAM, STRENGTHENING OUR IMPACT Cornerstone Public Affairs spent two days in Annapolis in June, strengthening our people and sharpening our impact. From candid discussions on the state of our industry to practical strategies for clientcentric service and navigating AI-driven trends, the sessions pushed our team to think bigger and work smarter. Just as important: time to connect, celebrate and invest in the people behind our mission. We’re proud to keep building a culture that delivers for our clients, and each other.
INVESTING IN EARLY CAREER PROFESSIONALS Cornerstone Associates and Assistant Vice Presidents traveled to D.C. in July for their annual offsite. Over the course of two days, the team members spent time bonding with colleagues from across the country, participating in leadership development and discussing their wins and goals for the coming year. Cornerstone is proud to invest in the careers of our young professionals, ensuring they are equipped to be the best in the business.
CONNECTING WITH STATE LEGISLATURES Cornerstone team members spent three days in Chicago for the annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). It was a privilege to bring together employeeowners from our state offices and strengthen the relationships that make our firm successful. Additionally, we hosted our annual NCSL Reception, bringing together clients, legislators and friends of the firm for a night of networking. Thanks to all who joined us for this incredible evening!
IN THE PRESS the wall street journal Cornerstone Public Affairs Managing Principal Jimmy Centers spoke with The Wall Street Journal following Iowa’s GOP Primary. Jimmy shared insights on how Zach Lahn edged out Rep. Randy Feenstra, and what November’s election may entail. “Jimmy Centers, a Republican strategist in Iowa who has consulted with presidential campaigns, said the results reflect changes in the ‘tectonic plates’ that surround the state’s GOP.
Jimmy Centers
Managing Principal
‘When those plates shift, the result is an earthquake—and Iowa felt that last night with Lahn’s win,’ he said.” Read the full article here.
areospace advantage Cornerstone Principal Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski joined the Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage Podcast to discuss Congress’ response to the FY27 defense budget request, SDA’s new leadership and Space Force’s requirement for a third heavy launch site. Tune into this episode to hear insights from Lazer and other national defense policy experts here.
Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski Principal
delaware business magazine Lauren Vella Principal
Sean Coit Principal
Cornerstone Principals Lauren Vella and Sean Coit wrote an op-ed for Delaware Business Magazine, highlighting how companies can combine national reach and local fluency to succeed in Dover. Lauren and Sean shared their insights, explaining: “Delaware is poised for an era of historic investment and economic innovation, from manufacturing, health care, and logistics to energy, digital infrastructure, and financial services. Seizing these opportunities won’t happen automatically, though. It will require experience, expertise, and relationships in Legislative Hall, across the state, in Washington, and around the world.” Read the full article here.
CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES CORNERSTONE ACCOLADES MAX MOLL Principal | Houston, TX Cornerstone Public Affairs Principal Max Moll was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Houston Business Journal in May! We’re grateful for Max’s leadership in Texas and beyond. Read the full article here.
PR DAILY AWARDS Cornerstone Public Affairs Cornerstone Public Affairs was named a winner in PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards, being recognized for the Media Relations Campaign of the Year alongside America’s VetDogs. The campaign demonstrated Cornerstone’s ability to integrate media relations, strategic communications and government affairs to deliver measurable results for clients. Learn more in our press release here.
CAMILLE SCALES YOUNG & ELLIOTT FLAGGS Managing Principal & Principal and Counsel | Jackson, MS In May, Cornerstone Managing Principal Camille Scales Young and Principal Elliott Flaggs were recognized as two of Mississippi's Top 100 Most Influential People. We're proud to have these incredible leaders on our team in Jackson!
CORNERSTONE RECOGNIZED AS CAREFIRST HEALTHY BUSINESS In April, Cornerstone was recognized as a CareFirst Healthy Business – Gold Level. This honor reflects our commitment to building a workplace where well‑being is a true priority. We’re grateful to our team for making this possible and excited to continue investing in the health and well-being of our employee-owners.
COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES
APRIL 18, 2026
MAY 8, 2026
Congratulations to Prescott Martin and his wife Jessica on their nuptials.
Congratulations to Daniel Boan and his wife Maayan on the arrival of their son Solomon.
MAY 10, 2026
MAY 16, 2026
Congratulations to Lizzie Imber on earning her Executive Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University.
Congratulations to Isabel Biehl and her husband Kale on the arrival of their son Brooks.
COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES
MAY 17, 2026
MAY 23, 2026
Congratulations to Chris Carpenter on being presented Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Wofford College.
Congratulations to Michael Altes and his wife Mariah on their nuptials.
MAY 30, 2026
JUNE 10, 2026
Congratulations to Leah Hathaway on her engagement to her fiance Tyler.
Congratulations to Lilly Russell and her husband Dax on the arrival of their daughter Cora.
COLLEAGUE CHRONICLES
JUNE 13, 2026
JULY 15, 2026
Congratulations to Kirsten West and her husband Lucas on the arrival of their daughter Camille.
Congratulations to Craig Holzheauser and his wife Paige on the arrival of their son George Steven.
JULY 21, 2026
AUGUST 2026
Congratulations to Mike Reed and his wife Alice on the arrival of their daughter Alixe.
Thank you to our Summer 2026 Intern Class for all of your hard work!
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Kevin Crawford Principal
State Government Relations Nashville, Tennessee
Shelby Forrest
J.P. Homik
Public Affairs Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
State Government Relations Nashville, Tennessee
Vice President
Principal
Garrett Johnson
Rebecca Martin
Holly Pataki
State Government Relations Nashville, Tennessee
Operations Washington, D.C.
Federal Government Relations Washington, D.C.
Principal
Operations Coordinator
Senior Consultant
David Ramsey
Mason Smith
Shelby Somervell
Public Affairs Atlanta, Georgia
State Government Relations Dallas, Texas
State Government Relations Frankfort, Kentucky
Associate
Associate
Principal
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 | TENNESSEE | TEXAS