Justin joined Cornerstone as an Associate in our Kentucky Office in October 2025. In this role, he supports clients in a wide range of industries both in and out of session, conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Prior to Cornerstone, he served as Policy Director for the Kentucky's Council on Developmental Disabilities. In this role, he briefed state officials and legislators through policy webinars that convened agency leaders from health, education and labor alongside advocacy organizations and lawmakers to address pressing challenges. Justin also developed broad-based coalitions across government, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to advance legislation on Medicaid, IDEA/IEPs and court case management systems, shaping meaningful policy outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Justin has also served as State Director for a national issues campaign, where he placed op-eds, managed media engagement and recruited aligned groups to broaden the campaign's reach. His work has included placing high-level media pieces, drafting press releases and directly engaging members of Congress to achieve campaign goals. Justin previously worked with the Kentucky Housing Corporation.

Justin holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Commerce, as well as a B.B.A. in Management, International Business and Political Science, from the University of Kentucky.

Sarah Bowling joined the Cornerstone Kentucky team as a Vice President in December 2023.

Sarah comes to the firm after serving as the Policy Advisor for the Kentucky House Democratic Leadership Office. In this role, she was responsible for committee coverage and providing policy analysis to all members of the Democratic Caucus. In addition, Sarah researched existing policies and procedures to gain a firm understanding of current legislative and political conditions. At the same time, she also served as the Intern Coordinator for the House Democrats.

Prior to her time Kentucky Democratic Leadership Office, Sarah was the Social Media Manager for the House Democrats. In this role, she was responsible for creating and implementing social media strategy, as well as the publication of the internal monthly newsletter.

Sarah earned her bachelor's degree from Florida Atlantic University and her master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

Corey Elder joined the Cornerstone Kentucky team as a Vice President in December 2023.

Before coming to the firm, Corey served as a Field Representative for Representative James Comer (R-KY). In this role he collaborated with the Chief of Staff, District Director and D.C. team to align district priorities with legislative initiatives, promoting Rep. Comer's strategic vision. Also, Corey crafted and executed outreach strategies supporting Rep. Comer's goals and agenda. He fostered relationships with influential community leaders and supporters and served as Rep. Comer's eyes and ears in the district.

Before that, he was the Policy Advisor for the Kentucky House Speaker's Office in Frankfort, Kentucky. Corey managed legislative committees and addressed policy needs for the Speaker's Leadership team in addition to representing the Speaker's office in statewide meetings to promote the legislative agenda.

Corey obtained his bachelor's in political science from the University of Kentucky and has a master's degree with an emphasis in economic development from Murray State University.

Ethan Witt joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2022 when he helped launch the firm's Frankfort, Kentucky office. Ethan brings more than a decade of experience in state and federal policy and Kentucky politics.

Prior to Cornerstone, Ethan served as the Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations at Eastern Kentucky University. In that role, Ethan led EKU's state legislative engagement during five legislative sessions that resulted in historic capital investments in the university and advancement of some of the university's key policy priorities. Ethan also oversaw the university's engagement with the state executive branch, Kentucky's federal delegation and oversaw strategic community engagement throughout EKU's 22-county service region and across Kentucky.

Ethan previously served as a Field Representative for US Senator Mitch McConnell in Kentucky's bluegrass region. In that role, Ethan served as a trusted advisor on Senator McConnell's behalf with local officials, community leaders, industry leaders and constituents throughout Lexington and 19 counties in central and eastern Kentucky. Prior to his time with Senator McConnell, Ethan served in multiple Kentucky-based roles for U.S. Representative Andy Barr including Special Projects Coordinator and Field Representative in the Congressman's district office.

Ethan received his bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Kentucky University and his master's in communication from Purdue University. Ethan is a native of Irvine, Kentucky, and resides in Lexington, Kentucky.