Mike Vlacich brings over 25 years of experience in public policy, administration and government at every level to open Cornerstone's Concord, New Hampshire office.

He joins the firm following his time at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), where he was appointed by President Biden to the role of regional administrator. He was responsible for overseeing SBA programs, offices and operations in the SBA's New England region which serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Prior to this role, Mike held several positions in the Office of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) with the latest being senior advisor. He provided support to the Senator, Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, State Director, scheduling department and Communications Director on policy, communications and other strategic imperatives. He also held key roles in Sen. Maggie Hassan's office (D-NH) and Gov. John Lynch's office as director of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.

Along with his government involvement, Mike was president and CEO of a higher education trade association, the New Hampshire College and University Council, a member of the University System of NH Board of Trustees, UNH Alumni Association Board, the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, NH EPSCoR Statewide Committee, New Hampshire Small Business Development Council Advisory Committee, New Hampshire Workforce Opportunity Council and the Governor's Save Our Shipyard Commission.

He has received the New Hampshire Business Review Business Excellence Award. He also earned the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development Award for Excellence, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire's Above and Beyond Award and was ranked on the Business NH Influencer Index.

Mike received his bachelor's in political science from the University of New Hampshire.

Kirsten Koch joined Cornerstone's Concord team in October 2024, serving as Vice President to assist with executing strategic client initiatives and helping them cultivate strong relationships throughout the state.

Kirsten came to the firm following her time at the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA) most recently serving as Vice President of Public Policy. In this role, Kirsten advised the public policy team, driving proactive advocacy efforts and overseeing the policy development process among BIA members. She regularly testified before the state legislature representing the business community on a variety of energy and environmental issues. Kirsten successfully advocated changes to make New Hampshire a more competitive state for doing business, including spearheading key policy initiatives to streamline permitting processes and drive the development of local energy sources. She also directed BIA's largest coalition of businesses while producing educational conferences for the organization.

Before her time at BIA, Kirsten worked as a Legislative Aide for the New Hampshire State Senate, gaining an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and building strong relationships with legislators and state agencies. She served as the aide to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Transportation Committee. Additionally, Kirsten served as Strategic Initiatives Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, leading grassroots initiatives and managing statewide coalitions for federal, state and local elections.

Kirsten is proud to be a lifelong Granite Stater. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a law minor from Plymouth State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.