Manning joined Cornerstone in May of 2023 following his time at Watkins & Eager PLLC, where he served as a Government Affairs Advisor. Based in Jackson, Manning supports clients at the state and federal level, specifically with infrastructure, community development, public safety, workforce development, Corps of Engineers and other issues areas.

In his previous role, he helped secure state appropriations for projects and pursued federal earmark requests, successfully advocating for tens of millions of dollars for clients. Additionally, he worked on a variety of issues including tax policy, business regulations, and federal and state regulatory approval for complex, large scale projects.

Prior to this, Manning held different roles with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), his last one being the Chief of Federal Affairs and Strategic Priorities, where he worked directly with the governor and his staff to support economic development. Manning was a member of the executive committee of the state's lead economic and community development agency advancing the state's priorities on a variety of federal issues including aerospace, military spending and base/mission realignment, infrastructure and defense sector recruitment.

While at the MDA he also directed the activities of six division directors with a wide variety of responsibilities from strategic policy development, community development and federal regulatory compliance, in addition to coordinating the inter-governmental affairs of the agency, including working closely with the Office of the Governor, statewide elected officials, other state executive agencies, the state legislature and the federal Congressional delegation.

Manning holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi.

6-10 years

Director of State Government Affairs, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., 2007-2010

Vice President & Board of Directors, Mississippi Cable and Telecommunications Association, 2007-2010

President, Mississippi CablePAC, 2009-2010

Board of Directors, Louisiana Cable and Telecommunications Association, Baton Rouge, LA, 2010

Top 40 Under 40, Mississippi Business Journal, 2010

Leadership Mississippi, Class of 2010

Served as State Caucus Manager for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) in Washington D.C., managing 18 states by communicating with state caucus leadership, attending in-state events and assisting with the crafting and passing of legislation.

Served as Government Affairs Assistant for Jeffrey J. Kimbell and Associates in Washington D.C.

Served as a Congressional Intern to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.

11-15 years

Worked with clients, legislators, and executive branch to implement critical initiatives including the Mississippi Charter School Act of 2013, the Literacy Based Promotion Act, and the Healthcare Collaboration Act.

American Cancer Society, Best Dressed Jackson Honoree, 2021

American Council of Young Political Leaders, Delegate to Cambodia and Malaysia, 2019

Appointed by Governor Haley Barbour to serve on the Board of Commissioners for the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service.

Served as primary liaison between Department of Homeland Security and Governors, Advisors and staffs of five-state region. Coordinated media/press relations for office of Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Former intern for Office of Republican Whip (2007), United States Agency for International Development (2005) and White House Office of the First Lady (2004).

Caroline serves as a Senior Government Relations Advisor at Butler Snow LLP where she advocates for client interests covering a wide range of issues. She has successfully worked on the passage and implementation of new legislation creating further opportunities in the healthcare, education, transportation and financial industries. Additionally, she is experienced in state funding matters and has effectively represented multiple clients in efforts to secure state appropriations and bond funding.

Caroline has served on a number of boards and commissions including the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mississippi Board of Directors, the Mississippi Campaign for Grade Level Reading Advisory Board, Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, University of Mississippi Young Alumni Board and as chair of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation Board. Caroline is a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and participated in their exchange program as a delegate to Cambodia and Malaysia in 2019.

She is also an active volunteer in the community spending time serving others through the Junior League of Jackson, Northminster Baptist Church, her children’s schools, and other community organizations.

Prior to joining Butler Snow, Caroline served in the Bush Administration as a State and Local Coordinator and an Assistant Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She has held several internships including for Office of Republican Whip, the United States Agency for International Development and the White House Office of the First Lady. Caroline graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish. During college she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and was a member of the Sally McDonell Barksdale Honors College and the Croft Institute for International Studies.

Camp is currently the managing partner at Corporate Relations Management, a government relations firm based in Canton, MS. Previously Camp served as a Policy Advisor in the office of Governor Phil Bryant where he handled military policy, public safety, corrections, emergency management, and budget policy. Prior to joining the Governor's staff in January, 2012, Camp spent more than five years working as a Budget Analyst at the Legislative Budget Office, where his duties included helping state leaders prepare Mississippi's budget. Camp earned a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, with a minor in Communications, from Mississippi State University. Camp was appointed Chairman of Bully Bloc, one of the state's largest PACs, in late 2017. Bully Bloc is a Political Action Committee dedicated to the success of Mississippi State University and all Institutions of Higher Learning within the state. Camp served as Chairman of Bully Bloc through the 2019 election cycle and remains on the board. He also serves on the board of Improve Mississippi Political Action Committee (IMPAC). He and his wife, Sydney reside in Madison, Mississippi with daughter, Gray, and son, John Burke.

Kelly Wright joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team as a vice president in December 2023.

Kelly brings over a decade of experience in government relations, showcasing a diverse skillset and proven ability to navigate the intricacies of both state and federal legislative landscapes. In her most recent role as the director of government affairs at the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), she actively engaged with state legislators to advocate for key issues relevant to the MMA. Kelly's responsibilities included monitoring committee meetings and floor actions, preparing detailed position papers on legislation and establishing crucial relationships.

Additionally, Kelly maintained membership activities at MMA, where she oversaw the policy and government affairs committees. She served as a liaison between member companies and various state agencies, ensuring open lines of communication and facilitating collaboration. Notably, Kelly demonstrated her leadership abilities by managing the MMA PAC. She identified candidates aligned with MMA's mission and made recommendations to the MMA PAC Board.

Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in history and psychology from the University of Mississippi.

Drew Maddox joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team in February 2020 as a vice president with more than 10 years of experience in finance and education policy. Previously, Drew served as the chief financial officer of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he oversaw all administrative divisions of the department, including accounting, communications, processing, information technologies and logistics. As CFO, Drew also worked closely with state legislators and statewide elected officials to guide tax policy decisions, liquor laws, and revenue-generating activities.

Prior to his time at the Department of Revenue, Drew also worked as director of state engagement at EdBuild, where he used his knowledge of political and governmental structures to strategically place educational reform proposals in the best positions for success in state legislatures across the country. Drew has also worked at the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office as the Senate budget officer, where he worked closely with leadership to craft and pass balanced budgets.

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts in English literature and his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two children (Sam and Bee), baseball, and gardening.

Elliott Flaggs joined Cornerstone's Jackson office in October 2015. He most recently served as a special assistant attorney general with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office in the capacity of legislative liaison for Attorney General Jim Hood and director of the Child Desertion Unit. His responsibilities included analyzing and advocating legislation impacting state citizens and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, advising the executive staff on legislative strategies, and making recommendations regarding legislative proposals. He also prosecuted parents for child neglect and abandonment in the Public Integrity Division.

Prior to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Elliott attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering (B.A., 2007). After graduation, he was accepted into the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Walmart Emerging Leaders Program where he worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Congressman G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina - District 1). Subsequently, he attended The University of Mississippi School of Law and graduated cum laude (J.D., 2012). During law school, he was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and Dean's Leadership Council while also serving as a Law School Student Body Senator.

Furthermore, Elliott is an active member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Jackson Young Lawyers, Magnolia Bar Association, the Charles Clark Inn of Court and Jackson Professional Group. He is an incorporator and board member of The First Tee of Central Mississippi in Jackson, MS. He is also a 2015-16 graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson and now serves on their board of directors. In addition, Elliott has been recognized as an American Cancer Society - Best Dressed Jackson honoree as a result of his community service efforts and by the Clarion Ledger as a Top Politician and Politico Under 35 in Mississippi.

Elliott and his wife, Brittany, reside in Madison, MS with their daughter, Lianne.

20+ years

Dennis combines his corporate and public service experience to serve clients across a broad range of industries.Dennis has previously held the position of senate sergeant-at-arms for the Mississippi State Senate and served as a staff attorney in the Senate Legislative Services office. He has also served as senior attorney for the Mississippi Public Service Commission and as a regional public affairs manager for International Paper. Additionally, he is the author of the Mississippi Chapter, Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook.In addition to holding memberships and leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, Dennis is an adjunct professor of law at Mississippi College School of Law teaching the course, "Legislation."

20+ years

Camille Young brings almost two decades of background in the practice of state and federal government affairs to Cornerstone's Jackson, Mississippi office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Camille spent 10 years as a government affairs representative with one of the State's leading law firms, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

Prior to that, Camille spent five years at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation in several positions, including communications specialist, director of media relations and government relations specialist. During her time at Farm Bureau, she also spent time on Capitol Hill establishing relationships and providing support for the agricultural community. She also held a position with the United States Department of Agriculture as an outreach and public affairs specialist.

At Watkins Ludlam, Camille worked for the state and federal legislative interests of clients as varied as an institution of higher learning, a major automotive manufacturer, associations that represent constituents in every county of the state and healthcare entities. In addition to her Capitol lobbying tasks, Camille provided significant support to clients in areas of public relations and community relations.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour tapped Camille to serve as a museum liaison for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum project that joined public and private sponsors to launch the venture that will honor Mississippi's history in the Civil Rights Movement.

Camille is very involved in community activities like the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Board of Directors, the Junior League of Jackson Sustainers Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Mississippi 4-H Foundation. She also was honored to serve as President of the Mississippi State University National Alumni Association in 2012-13.

Camille has been honored for her professional accomplishments and service to the community as a member of the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 50 Business Women (2006) and Top 40 Under 40 (2005). She was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi and Alumnus of the Year by the Central Mississippi Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. She also is a member of the BankFirst Board of Directors and the inaugural class of Top 50 Most Influential People in Mississippi.

Camille grew up in Shannon, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University (B.A., 1994 and M.S., 1996).

Camille and her husband Keith are the proud parents of three children and enjoy living in rural Madison County. Camille is an active participant in her church, community and the school activities of her children.

20+ years

Michael started working in politics as a 17-year-old staffer in 1987 race for Governor. Since then, he has worked on campaigns in almost every role, spent time working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and did a short stint in state government for then Treasurer Tate Reeves. He entered the lobbying profession in 2004 at Baker Donelson before taking a ten-year detour working as a public finance banker at Bear Stearns and Raymond James. Partnering with Austin at the Clearwater Group in 2017, he returned to lobbying to get back to doing what he enjoys most, shaping public policy through the political, legislative and administrative processes.

Michael leads the firm's executive branch lobbying practice area with an emphasis on regulatory and procurement efforts. He is also deeply involved in strategic development for the firm's legislative practice area and political practice area.

6-10 years

Governor Tate Reeves Inaugural Committee, Co-Chair, 2020

Director of Administration and Policy Advisor, Office of Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi, 2011-2012

Director of College Savings Mississippi, Office of State Treasurer Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi, 2009-2011

Director of Public Affairs, Office of Governor Haley Barbour, State of Mississippi, 2005

Deputy Press Secretary, Office of Governor Haley Barbour, State of Mississippi, 2004

Barbour for Governor Campaign, 2003

Interim administrator of the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board.

Senior advisor to Lt. Governor on major policy issues including: education reform legislation that changed the state's rating system to an A-F scale, administrative consolidation of low- performing school districts, universal screenings and school choice scholarships for dyslexic students, and advocated for the Lt. Governor's charter school position. Managed Lt. Governor's appointments to various boards and commissions.

Oversaw the College Savings Division of the State Treasury and served as the primary media contact for the agency. Managed the state's 529 Records Administrators – MPACT and MACS.

Spokesperson and media contact for Governor's Office during Hurricane Katrina and coordinated numerous press conferences and special events on behalf of the Governor's Office.

Conducted national public relations campaigns on behalf of consumer health clients at an international public relations firm in New York City

20+ years

1) Top 40 Under 40 in Mississippi
2) Top 50 Businesswomen in Mississippi
3) Pollie Award Winner
4) Mississippi Human Trafficking Council: Policy & Legislative Subcommittee
5) EPA Fellow while working on doctorate degree

1) Mississippi Attorney General's Office
2) Mississippi Department of Public Safety
3) Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi
4) Mississippi Gaming Commission

Doctoral work in public policy administration greatly enhances her ability to identify, define, and expand issues important to her clients. She was an EPA Fellow while completing her doctoral level course work. Echols develops a broad coalition of support, sometimes going
against conventional wisdom and status quo, to achieve a successful end result. She has a keen ability for trouble shooting an issue and predicting potential problems and anticipating their positive solutions. She has a proven ability to rapidly assess a situation, provide a workable plan of action, and develop pockets of support to achieve the desired outcome.

Remember... When results matter, you need The Echols Group!

6-10 years

Ryker joined Clearwater Group at the beginning of 2021, bringing experience in insurance, healthcare, economics and finance, federal and local grant management, business development and government relations. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Biochemistry and Economics and obtained a Master of Science in Finance from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining the firm, Lackey worked for CVS Health as a financial analyst, specializing in projects involving data compilation and risk management. He is responsible for driving legislative outcomes at the State Capitol and helps with the drafting and monitoring for all clients' legislation.

Ryker leads the firm's policy development and analysis practice area. He also manages the firm's operations at the state capitol during the legislative session and is deeply involved with the executive branch lobbying practice area. He currently serves as a board member for the Rankin County GOP Executive Committee and on the Madison County Business League.

20+ years

Former Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Insurance
Campaign Manager for Attorney General, Lynn Fitch
Finance Director Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Chaney

0-5 years

Seth Hood assists the Adams and Reese Intersection of Business and Government Practice, representing clients in government relations, economic development, public finance, and counseling individual business and industry groups on how to navigate the regulatory challenges across local, state, and federal governments.

With a decade of experience and deep knowledge in the legislative, regulatory, and state procurement processes, Seth advises clients on government relations matters at the local level in Jackson, Mississippi, and at the federal level in Washington, D.C. 

Before joining Adams and Reese, Seth launched and served as managing partner of Political Sourcing Group, a business consulting and non-partisan campaign management firm. Managing the consulting, marketing and campaign efforts for political officials, small businesses, and nonprofits, he established long-standing relationships with Mississippi community leaders, business professionals, and elected officials. Among other services, he led campaign management and targeted marketing efforts for local, statewide, and federal political campaigns.

Seth formerly served as an associate at JM Hughes Group, providing governmental affairs consulting, association management, media management, and lobbying on behalf of clients by staying apprised of new bills and working beside legislators at the capital and with their campaign needs.

Seth began his professional career as a commercial insurance producer and risk management consultant for Terral Insurance, LLC, one of Mississippi's most longstanding insurance agencies. He earned the designation of Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist. His primary focus was working alongside the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and national insurance companies as they re-evaluated new risks to the school industry.

Born and raised in Jackson, Seth received his Bachelor of Business Administration (Risk Management and Financial Planning) from the Mississippi State University College of Business.

20+ years

Austin Barbour brings a dual private and political-sector resume to Clearwater Group, the company he co-founded in 2011.

Barbour began building his extensive client list in 2003, as a government relations specialist at the regional firm, Capitol Resources, where he was hired after breaking all state fundraising records as Finance Director for Haley Barbour's first campaign for Governor of Mississippi in 2003. He took a leave of absence from lobbying during 2008 to serve as Campaign Manager for Senator Roger Wicker in his first bid for the U.S. Senate.

Prior to his work on the lobbying and political scene, Barbour created and grew a new financial services division for Security Holdings, LLC, one of the nation's fastest growing businesses.

In 2011, Barbour brought together his successes in business and politics, and opened the doors at Clearwater Group, LLC, where he serves as Managing Partner and specializes in fundraising and business development as well as government affairs issues dealing with appropriations, defense, state and federal procurement and contracting, education, environment, manufacturing and public safety.

Most recently, Barbour served as Executive Director of the national super PAC for Governor Rick Perry's presidential campaign. Austin served as a Senior Advisor on Gov. Jeb Bush's presidential campaign.

Barbour has also been recognized as one of the nation's top fundraisers with previous positions including the National Finance Chairmen for Romney for President in 2012 and a Senior Fundraising Consultant for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

He also held the position of State Finance Chairman for the Mississippi Republican Party in 2010-2011, was on the Transition Team for Governor Phil Bryant and is on the Finance Committee for Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. He served as a member of the strategy team for Romney for President in 2012 and was the Senior Strategist for the successful re-election campaign for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran in 2014.

Austin manages the day-to-day operations of the firm. He leads the firm's strategic communications practice area and is also intimately involved with Clearwater Group's legislative lobbying and political activity practice areas.

0-5 years

Emily Simmons is a seasoned communications professional and policy advisor known for her impactful work in Mississippi politics. From 2016 to early 2024, she served as the communications director and policy advisor to Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, where she played a vital role in shaping legislative priorities and enhancing outreach efforts.

Prior to this, Emily began her career as a Capitol Hill staffer for Senator Trent Lott, gaining six years of invaluable experience in Washington, D.C. She holds degrees in Journalism and Business from the University of Mississippi, which have equipped her with a unique skill set for navigating the political landscape.

In January 2024, Emily joined the Clearwater Group, where she continues to apply her expertise in communications and policy. Her leadership and deep commitment to public service make her a reassuring and notable figure in Mississippi's political arena.

Emily oversees the creative output and design for the firm, ensuring our clients' messaging and data are presented in a clear and digestible manner for interested parties. She plays a vital role in the strategic communications and legislative lobbying practice areas.