Lauren Vella joined Cornerstone in January of 2025, launching the firm's Delaware office and expanding our Mid-Atlantic reach and capabilities.

Prior to Cornerstone, Lauren served as Chief of Staff to the University President at the University of Delaware (UD).

Lauren also served as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House in the Delaware House of Representatives, where she managed the staff of the Majority Caucus and was the chief advisor to House Majority Caucus Leadership to shape and achieve their policy and political goals. Lauren served Attorney General Kathy Jennings as Policy & Legislative Director for the Delaware Department of Justice during Jennings' first term where she managed the significant legislative agenda for the department.

Lauren holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delaware.

15-20 years

With deep ties to Louisiana's political landscape, we bring a local perspective, but engage across state lines to help clients broaden their services across the nation.

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.

Ellen Valentino joined Cornerstone's Maryland team in December 2019. She brings to Cornerstone more than 30 years of lobbying expertise in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Ellen represents diverse business interests from small businesses to the energy sector to beverage companies. She focuses her work on protecting client interests through practical policy change, coalition-building, issue positioning and political strategy.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Ellen founded and operated her own legislative and association management consulting firm, Valentino-Benitez & Associates (VBA, Inc.), for more than 28 years. As president of the firm, Ellen advocated for clients and built trusted relationships and coalitions to represent their interests in matters before the District of Columbia City Council, the Maryland and Delaware legislatures, and local governments.

In addition to representing various clients, Ellen currently serves as the executive vice president for the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Beverage Association and the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association.

Ellen began her professional career as an executive in grassroots lobbying management with the Greater Washington/Maryland Service Station and the Automotive Repair Association. In 1991, she established her own legislative and association management consulting firm.

A life-long Maryland resident, Ellen is a graduate of Catholic University. She is married to Robert Benitez and they have two daughters.

Jim Monahan has a strong and established public affairs practice that focuses on representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations before state and national governmental agencies. This work includes an emphasis on policy development, legislative advocacy and effective communications.

Jim's professional focus includes energy, transportation and environmental issues. He does work in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on Medicaid policy. In addition, Jim oversees the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group.

Jim was elected as Merrimack County Treasurer in the Fall of 2008 and served one term. Currently, he serves on the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment. Jim is well known for providing news media analysis on topics of politics and public policy. Formerly, Jim was a member of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England Board Advisory Committee, and a contributing editor to the political website Primary Diner.

Bernie Marczyk joined Cornerstone's Annapolis office in December 2018. Most recently, Bernie served as the director of government affairs for Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh. In this role, he worked closely with the County Council and Maryland General Assembly to advance legislative initiatives and implement public policies for the County.

Prior to working for the County Executive, Bernie worked for Ducks Unlimited for seven years as a federal and state lobbyist and thenin managing the organization's conservation delivery in the Atlantic Region (Maryland to Maine). In this role he was responsible partnering with federal, state, and non-profit organizations on land acquisition and wetland restoration projects on private lands or public lands such as Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Bernie began his professional career working for then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich first as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill and then as a policy advisor for Governor Ehrlich in Annapolis where he oversaw the legislative and policy efforts of the Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Planning, and Transportation. Bernie also worked on multiple statewide and local elections in Maryland.

A graduate of Princeton University, Bernie and his wife Keely live on Maryland's Eastern Shore with their nine-year-old daughter Leah, seven-year-old twins Claire and Tommy, and three-year-old daughter Stella. Bernie is an active volunteer at St. Christopher's Catholic Church and as a basketball, soccer, and softball coach.

11-15 years

114th Texas Secretary of State; 52nd Texas Attorney General appointed by Gov. Abbott; Chair-Texas Department of Information Resources; Deputy Attorney General-Texas; Chief Operating Officer HHSC; Board member Texas Infectious Disease Committee; Chair-Texas Border Transportation Committee; and Chair-Texas Medicaid Fraud Task Force.

Texas attorney since 1988. 114th Texas Secretary of State; 52nd Texas Attorney General appointed by Gov. Abbott; Chair-Texas Department of Information Resources; Deputy Attorney General-Texas; Chief Operating Officer HHSC; Board member Texas Infectious Disease Committee; Chair-Texas Border Transportation Committee; and Chair-Texas Medicaid Fraud Task Force.

0-5 years

Named Best Anchor by both the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press of the Virginias

Recipient of a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage

Emmy Nomination for Feature Reporting

Licensed West Virginia real estate agent, holding multiple industry designations, including:
     Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
     Seller Representative Specialist (SRS)
     Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
     GREEN Designee
     Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI)

Awarded Rookie of the Year by Old Colony Realtors for 2024

Whitney Wetzel serves as Director of Communications and Advocacy at 3PS, LLC, a full-service government affairs, marketing, and public relations firm based in Charleston, West Virginia. Whitney joined the team in 2025, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in media and public sector communications.

A graduate of West Virginia University with a B.S. in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science, Whitney began her career as a television news anchor and reporter, covering stories across West Virginia and Kentucky. Her time in journalism earned her multiple industry honors and a reputation for thoughtful, compelling storytelling.

Following her broadcast career, Whitney transitioned into state government, where served as Director of Communications for the West Virginia Department of Human Services. In that role, she led communications for the state's largest agency during a major organizational restructure, managing media strategy, branding, and crisis communications at the cabinet level.

At 3PS, Whitney bridges the firm's communications and government affairs efforts - offering strategic counsel to clients in sectors including healthcare, human services, and education. Her expertise spans campaign development, stakeholder engagement, and media relations, and she brings a passion for storytelling and advocacy to every project. Whitney is proud to help clients create meaningful change in West Virginia communities and beyond.

BOB GEDDIE grew up in Elmore County and attended public schools in Robinson Springs and Wetumpka. After graduating from Marion Military Institute (A.A.) and Auburn University (BA), he joined the Washington staff of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman as Sparksman's legislative assistant. He later coordinated Sparkman's Alabama offices. Geddie served for four years as Legislative Liaison and as Executive Assistant to Governor Fob James. He was the Governor's representative to the National Governor's Association, Interstate Mining Compact and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Commission. Prior to forming Fine Geddie & Associates in 1985, he was Director of State Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power Company.

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

Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. in 1993 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Montana in 1997.

Mark has extensive experience in a wide variety of business, legislative, and regulatory matters, representing client interests before the Montana Legislature, and Montana's State and Federal Courts. In addition, Mark's business consulting activities extend to more than 25 states in a variety of topics, primarily focusing on information technology and public safety initiatives.

In the health care arena, Mark previously served as general counsel to the Montana Hospital Association for nearly 15 years. In addition, he has served as counsel to more than a dozen hospitals across Montana on various matters. Mark is well-recognized in the hospital regulatory arena in Montana, including having been published in several hospital-related trade publications. He currently serves as Chair of the St. Peter's Hospital Board of Directors, is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana Advisory Board, is on the Pontifical Gregorian University Foundation Board and the Sacred Story Institute Board, and several other corporate boards.

Mark was born and raised in Central Montana (near Lewistown), where he and his family continue to operate their family farm and ranch. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Elaine, and their two daughters, Morgan and Raegan. Mark also enjoys hunting, golfing, fishing, and traveling.

Delora R. Sanchez, Esq. joined Cornerstone in October 2015 after leading Johns Hopkins Medical System's government affairs team. Delora spent nearly a decade representing Hopkins' interests before the Maryland General Assembly, Governor's office, and state administrative agencies. She has an extensive background in state legislative and regulatory issues.

As a senior vice president in Cornerstone's Annapolis office, Delora specializes in representing hospitals, managed care organizations (MCOs), pharmaceutical manufactures, medical cannabis companies, and private sector special interests. Over the past 10 years, Delora has used her deep policy expertise and legislative connections to save or create tens of millions of dollars in state funding for clients; shape Maryland's medical liability policy; and steer the top healthcare system in the world through the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the creation of the Maryland Health Benefits Exchange.

Delora was recognized by the Daily Record in 2017 as a VIP, 40 under 40 and as a Leading Woman in 2013. In 2014 Sanchez was named a Marshall Memorial Fellow -- the flagship leadership development program of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. From 2008 to 2010 she was appointed by the President of Johns Hopkins University to serve on the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council. During the same time period, she was also appointed by then Governor Martin O'Malley to the Maryland Commission for Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities.

Delora is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and serves as chair of community engagement on the board of directors for Thread, which engages underperforming high school students facing significant barriers outside of the classroom. As a native of Baltimore and current South Baltimore resident, Delora was proud to accept an appointment by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates to the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership Board. The organization is responsible for distributing approximately $8 million in casino revenue for community development projects in the areas immediately impacted by the casino's construction. Previously, she was a board member of the Charles Village Community Benefits District and Vice Chair of the board for Hope Forward, which provides support transitioning for former foster youth.

Delora holds a Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in Health Law from University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Management from Towson University. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Delora is a lifelong resident of Baltimore and enjoys living downtown, yoga, and biking around the City.

20+ years

We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.

We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.

Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.

Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.

Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.

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.

15-20 years

With deep ties to Louisiana's political landscape, we bring a local perspective, but engage across state lines to help clients broaden their services across the nation.

20+ years

With deep ties to Louisiana's political landscape, we bring a local perspective, but engage across state lines to help clients broaden their services across the nation.

11-15 years

2012 Generation Next: Top 40 under 40

2016 University of Charleston Alumnus of the Year

Ben Beakes is the founder and managing member of 3PS, LLC, a government affairs and public relations firm headquartered in West Virginia. A 2002 graduate of the University of Charleston with a degree in political science, Ben began his career as Political Director for the West Virginia Republican Party. In 2005, he was appointed Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Betty Ireland, becoming one of the youngest individuals to serve in that capacity in state government.

Following his time in public service, Ben briefly worked in the private sector before being named State Director of the McCain 2008 presidential campaign in West Virginia. In 2009, he returned to his alma mater to serve as Vice President for University Development, a role he held for five years. Ben then joined Alpha Natural Resources as Director of Government and External Affairs, managing state and federal policy efforts.

On September 1, 2015, Ben launched 3PS, combining his deep policy experience, strategic insight, and extensive relationships into a firm designed to serve clients with integrity and purpose. With over two decades of experience in public policy, politics, and advocacy, Ben has built a reputation as a tireless and trusted voice for the individuals, companies, and associations he represents.

Bernie Marczyk joined Cornerstone's Annapolis office in December 2018. Most recently, Bernie served as the director of government affairs for Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh. In this role, he worked closely with the County Council and Maryland General Assembly to advance legislative initiatives and implement public policies for the County.

Prior to working for the County Executive, Bernie worked for Ducks Unlimited for seven years as a federal and state lobbyist and thenin managing the organization's conservation delivery in the Atlantic Region (Maryland to Maine). In this role he was responsible partnering with federal, state, and non-profit organizations on land acquisition and wetland restoration projects on private lands or public lands such as Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Bernie began his professional career working for then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich first as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill and then as a policy advisor for Governor Ehrlich in Annapolis where he oversaw the legislative and policy efforts of the Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Planning, and Transportation. Bernie also worked on multiple statewide and local elections in Maryland.

A graduate of Princeton University, Bernie and his wife Keely live on Maryland's Eastern Shore with their nine-year-old daughter Leah, seven-year-old twins Claire and Tommy, and three-year-old daughter Stella. Bernie is an active volunteer at St. Christopher's Catholic Church and as a basketball, soccer, and softball coach.

6-10 years

Kathy's service as a senior adviser to Governor Tom Corbett for four years and the late Mayor Stephen R Reed of the City of Harrisburg provided her leadership experience and insight into how state and local governments operate from the inside. In those roles, she had real experiences in government and established and fostered relationships throughout all three branches of government. These experiences and relationships help her serve clients efficiently and effectively.

During the Pennsylvania COVID-19 business shutdown, Kathy helped clients in diverse business industries tell their story to Governor Wolf's Administration and obtain approval and a waiver to continue to operate. She worked with her team as if every client's business needs were a "911" call for help. Her round-the-clock work and counsel helped clients and their employees operate quickly, in a safe manner and in cooperation with law enforcement.

Clients have succeeded with their legislative lobbying goals as Kathy and her team supported them with needs to amend, pass or oppose legislation that would impact the client's business goals. Kathy's efforts and guidance support clients' business timeline and budgets.

Kathy lobbied with a team to successfully oppose any nuclear bailout legislation.

Kathy assists clients who need quick access to an agency decisionmaker for time sensitive issues. a Kathy assists clients with obtaining grant funds to support client projects.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NY, NJ and PA, and she has more than a decade in Pennsylvania state and local politics with the unique experience as a senior staffer in the Office of the Governor. Kathy served as former Gov. Tom Corbett's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2015. In that role, she was a trusted advisor to the governor and his cabinet and staff. She served as the governor's liaison to numerous state agencies and helped coordinate and manage policy, legislative and press initiatives. Kathy also worked on the governor's behalf with contacts in local and federal governments. While with the governor's office, Kathy represented the governor with numerous state and regional boards and commissions, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bi-state transportation authorities, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Further, she served with the governor as vice chair of Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that connects business and industry leaders and facilitates partnerships to support economic development and prosperity in the commonwealth.

Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Kathy was an attorney for a Harrisburg-based law firm where she represented clients as an attorney and a lobbyist in diverse subject areas including energy and environmental, oil and natural gas and food and beverage on matters involving public finance, state and local tax, employment and corporate governance. Before joining the governor's office, she was a partner at Rhoads & Sinon LLP for 10 years where she focused her practice in litigation and labor and employment. She also previously served in leadership roles for the City of Harrisburg's Mayor Stephen R. Reed as deputy solicitor and director of human resources for approximately four years.

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.

15-20 years

She was recognized in 2022 by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal as one of the Power 30 lawyer lobbyists and in 2021 by City & State magazine as part of their Pennsylvania Power 100 list. She has also been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America several times, was honored by Harrisburg Magazine as one of the 'Top Lawyers in Central Pennsylvania' and as one of Pennsylvania's 50 most politically influential personalities by PolitickerPA.com's Power List.

Laura would be happy to discuss specific professional relationships with prospective clients.

Laura continues her "pursuit of happiness" by opening Pursuit Advocacy in 2022, and is thrilled that she'll be joined by many of her long-term clients and additional new ones as well. Feel free to reach out to Laura by email at laura@pursuitadvocacy.com.

Laura worked in the PA General Assembly for over a dozen years in leadership staff positions and managed House floor activity. There she was the House Majority Leader's Chief of Staff and Deputy Counsel and Policy Counsel for the Speaker/Minority Leader. She also has been a lawyer lobbyist for many years, both as a partner at a national law firm and as counsel to former Governor Ridge's lobbying firm. She also has experience in the political arena as a political fundraiser for campaigns nationally and locally.

During law school, Laura was Executive Editor of the Administrative Law Journal. She also interned for a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, was a legal intern for the Federal Election Commission, and worked for a Tennesse Congressman. She attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments.

0-5 years

Joe Reidy serves as Vice President of Public Affairs at 3PS, LLC, a government affairs and public relations firm based in Charleston, West Virginia. A Berkeley County native and graduate of West Virginia University, Joe has spent his career at the intersection of politics, policy, and advocacy.

Before joining 3PS in 2021, Joe advised successful campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. He has worked with national consulting firms, trade associations, and political organizations to drive legislative strategies and build grassroots and grasstops engagement across the region.

At 3PS, Joe leads public affairs efforts for clients in some of the most heavily regulated sectors, offering strategic counsel, coalition development, and policy support tailored to each client's unique needs. With a deep understanding of West Virginia's political and regulatory landscape, Joe brings energy, insight, and unwavering focus to every engagement.

Joe lives in Charleston with his wife, Katie, their daughter, Georgia, and their golden retriever, Charley.