15-20 years

Our team consists of lobbyists from around the state of New Mexico with a broad range of relationships with legislators, leaders, state office officials, and local officials. Our team has been carefully selected to ensure relationships with individuals on both sides of the aisle, and all age groups.

T.J. serves as a registered lobbyist for clients on state and local issues. In addition, T.J. is an attorney in New Mexico and practices government affairs law, administrative law, and litigation. T.J. graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Arizona in 1995. Thereafter, he graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Western New Mexico University and Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona in 2000.

20+ years

Jerry Usry joined the firm in 2015, establishing the firm's Atlanta, Georgia office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Jerry was the principal and founder of a successful, full-service, public affairs consulting firm headquartered in Albany, Georgia

Under retainer with a number of corporate, governmental and association clients, the firm established a strong track record of accomplishments with both the Georgia General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. From securing multi-million dollar appropriations projects, to drafting and implementing complex legislative strategies, Jerry has consistently achieved client goals and enjoys long-term business relationships as a result. He has played a major role in the reform of the Georgia Tax Code, a rewrite of state health and water planning laws, new food safety reporting statutes and the establishment and funding of a variety of university based institutes.

Democrat and Republican governors have appointed him to a variety of government policy posts, including the Georgia Rural Development Council and the ACT-ACF Water Compacts Advisory Committee. Jerry has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: Georgia Trend's 40 Under 40, Rising Star in Business and Politics; American Society of Association Executives, National Award for Excellence in Government Relations; James Magazine, Top Ten Independent Lobbyists in Georgia; and Zpolitics, 16 power players under the Gold Dome. Jerry is an original member of Governor Nathan Deal's (R-GA) Finance Committee and was appointed to his Inaugural Executive Committee.

Prior to the establishment of his consulting practice, Jerry was a staff director of a major commodity organization and a regional administrator for a state agency. He is a member of the Georgia Professional Lobbyist Association, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

A lifelong Georgian and a native of Athens, Jerry has a B.S.A. and a Master's degree in Public Administration.

Higher Education
Successfully assisted entities before regulatory agencies to achieve compliance.

Public Health
Worked with regulatory agency and broader coalitions to secure a positive recommendation from a Texas State agency which subsequently led to final passage of key legislation.

Local Government
Worked with the 3rd largest county in the country to secure vital legislation.

Regulatory Projects
Successfully assisted a national association and private companies in matters dealing with state franchise issues.

Telecommunications
Successfully assisted a publically traded company to secure passage of legislation affecting the Texas Universal Service Fund.

Energy
Successfully assisted client in passage of electric utility matters.

Ms. Leo has over 25 years of combined experience in federal, state and local government. Prior to joining the firm in 1996, Ms. Leo served as the Intergovernmental Relations Manager for the City of San Antonio. In that capacity, she had chief responsibility for managing federal, state and local matters on behalf of the City of San Antonio. Ms. Leo managed legislative and political activities at these various levels of government including Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC); state legislative matters impacting the City of San Antonio as well as interlocal agreements between the city and county.

She served as Chief of Staff for the first Hispanic woman elected to the Legislature, State Representative Irma Rangel, in which she managed all legislative policy, including appropriations, redistricting, healthcare, education and transportation. In this capacity, Ms. Leo also served as the Director of the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus and managed policy issues in behalf of the members of the Caucus. Prior to joining the House side of the Capitol, Ms. Leo worked in the policy division of Lieutenant Governor William P. Hobby, Jr. Ms. Leo's legislative career began as a Senate Messenger.

Ms. Leo serves on the Firm's Global Diversity Committee which promotes a diverse workforce and an inclusive firm culture. She is a Board member of the Senate Hispanic Research Council (SHRC), a non-profit research group that supports internships for college students in the offices of members of the Texas Senate. Ms Leo is a 9th generation Texan, and a member of the William B. Travis Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.