Jeff Hamling joined Cornerstone in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and relationships in Atlanta, Georgia. Jeff came to the firm after two years as a lobbyist in Dentons' Atlanta and Washington offices where he represented a number of corporate, governmental, and non-profit clients.

Prior to Dentons, Jeff worked at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as vice president for state and federal affairs. Jeff joined the Chamber after serving then-Congressman Tom Price for over five years. Starting as a staff assistant, Jeff was quickly promoted to deputy chief of staff, overseeing the Atlanta office and various aspects of the federal legislative staff.

Jeff has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: profiled in Capitol Impact Magazine's People on the Move, "Rookie of the Year" award voted on by his peers in the Georgia lobbying community, and James Magazine's Georgia's Political Influencers in Washington, D.C.

20+ years

Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.

20+ years

I hold a Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

I served on the commission established to achieve long-term viability of the New Hampshire Retirement System, and was appointed by two Governors to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of the New Hampshire Retirement System, an office I held for five years. I am a former member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's New England Public Policy Center Advisory Board, and the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy. I have also served on a number of legislatively-established study commissions, including electric utility property taxes and education funding.

I have a PhD in Economics and have been an economist at Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, in Concord, New Hampshire for more than 25 years.

I regularly testify before the New Hampshire Legislature on behalf of a range of business and non-profit clients. I work on matters before regulatory agencies and have appeared as an expert witness regarding fiscal and economic impacts of energy infrastructure projects. I have also authored studies and provided strategic advice on the effects of a statewide property tax, various business tax proposals, and public investments and infrastructure.

20+ years

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

Lawrence Bell joined Cornerstone in February 2023 from Sen. Warnock's (D-GA) office where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor. Lawrence joined the Senator's office after serving as an Advisor and Chief of Staff for the Warnock for Georgia Senatorial campaign in the 2020 special election. His leadership role on that campaign led to a historic victory electing the state's first Black United States senator.

Prior to joining the Warnock campaign, Lawrence worked in the Atlanta office of a large law and lobbying firm. There, he represented some of the country's largest corporations, working with state and local elected officials to help shape public policy and regulations across a variety of industries. His role at the firm also included community engagement, helping the organization develop and implement its philanthropic strategy to maximize the firm's impact in the community.

Lawrence has volunteered with numerous organizations including Big Brother Big Sister, Yes Atlanta and Urban League of Greater Atlanta-Young Professionals, among others. He has served on the advisory board for the Young Adult Guidance Center, and the Atlanta Chapter of National Black MBA. He also served on the board for Groundwork Atlanta, a non-profit focused on environmental sustainability and was a Trustee at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he is still a member. Lawrence was recognized in Southern Journal Magazine as one of their 14 under 40. He received his master's from Georgia State University and his bachelor's from Clark Atlanta University.

6-10 years

15-20 years

11-15 years

JD, Willamette University School of Law, Salem, OR (Oregon State Bar # 094769)
MBA, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University, Salem, OR
BA, Political Science, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA

John C. Powell and wife Abby Powell live in Lake Oswego, OR with their three children

Casey Hill has served as Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations for EnergySolutions, where he managed and directed all lobbying and community relations and charitable efforts in Utah, as well as in multiple states around the country and in Washington, D.C. In addition to EnergySolutions, he represents and lobbies for interests in real estate development, environmental, healthcare, insurance, energy, legal, and pharmaceutical industries. Casey has a successful record helping his clients navigate the appropriations process successfully.

Casey is an accomplished campaign strategist and manager, having run the campaigns of many past and current municipal and state-level leaders, including Utah Senate President, Stuart Adams and Utah Speaker Brad Wilson. He has continued this work at Election Hive and Gather Inc.

Casey holds a B.S. Degree in History and Political Science from Weber State University and an M.B.A. from the Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.

20+ years

Previously, McGarah served as the Committee Director of the powerful Senate Natural Resources Committee. During her 10 years with this committee she established solid relationships with key members of the legislature and various environmental agencies, and developed a thorough knowledge of Texas' air, water, and waste issues.

McGarah dedicated countless hours to the preparation and passage of groundbreaking pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 1 in 1997 and Senate Bill 2 in 2001. Both of these bills dealt with state water management measures and greatly impacted the state.

McGarah was also instrumental in the development and passage of SB 5 in the 75th Legislature, which created the Texas Emissions Reduction Program. This program has served as a model for numerous other states across the country, and has been a vital component in assisting Texas meet the Federal Air Quality Standards.

Patrick Love joined Cornerstone in January 2025 after serving as an Attorney Analyst for the Georgia Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis, where he supported standing committees by reviewing all assigned legislation, advising chairs on parliamentary procedures and conducting requested research for senators, leadership and staff.

Prior to that, Patrick served as a Budget and Policy Analyst for the Georgia House Budget and Research Office where he staffed the House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee which oversees the state's universities, colleges and scholarship programs. In that role, he also staffed the House standing committees on Defense and Veteran Affairs and Science and Technology. Patrick's experiences also include serving as a Legal Services Worker for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Legal Extern for the Georgia Department of Law and Legal Extern for Georgia Senate Office of the Democratic Leader.

He holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from University of Texas at Dallas.

Jordan Gleason has over 10 years of experience in effective advocacy, coalition building and providing strategic solutions for legislative and regulatory issues. He has a deep understanding of policy at the state level in Louisiana and the federal level in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has built relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers and is familiar with the workings of the regulatory bodies, especially in Louisiana and within the oil and gas industry.

Jordan came to Cornerstone from Adams and Reese LLP, where he served as a Government Affairs Advisor. Prior to that, he was the Government Affairs and Communications Director for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA), where he was responsible for facilitating communication between industry associations to unite on issues important to their respective members. While there he was responsible for planning political fundraisers, industry events and media outreach relating to LOGA's membership and to further a better understanding of the oil and gas industry in the state.

Prior to his work with LOGA, Jordan served as Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant for former Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA). He was the official spokesperson for the office, liaising with the media and public outlets and advising the Congressman on local political issues including coastal restoration, defense and transportation.

Jordan began his political career as Press Assistant in Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's administration, eventually becoming the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. He received his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

15-20 years

20+ years

Tracy Persico serves as a Director in Brown Rudnick's Government Law & Strategies Group in the Hartford Office. She represents clients before the Connecticut General Assembly, as well as state and local regulatory agencies. As a registered lobbyist, Tracy represents clients in the energy, technology, telecommunications, health care and transportation industries. In addition, she concentrates on local and state government procurements and also has extensive experience working with advocacy groups and various industry coalitions.

Tracy knows that in the political arena perseverance is part of the key to success, as well as timing and patience. Providing professional guidance and strategy as to how to navigate through the nuances of the political process is her specialty.

Tracy lives in New Haven, Connecticut and attended Quinnipiac University School of Law. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2008. She began her government involvement in 1997 as an assistant to the deputy majority leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives and later served as a campaign coordinator for several legislators during the 1998 elections.

11-15 years

Nial Patel joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2011 after more than seven years of service to Governor Bobby Jindal, dating back to his first run for governor in 2003. As one of the longest serving senior staff members for the Governor, Nial worked as the director of scheduling. Additionally, when Governor Jindal was elected to Congress, Nial served as his executive assistant. During his tenure with Jindal, Nial's duties varied from campaigning to research and outreach, working with elected politicians, stakeholders, and government officials from Washington, D.C. and across the state of Louisiana.

Nial holds a Masters in Economics from the Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University (LSU), and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from LSU, where he also minored Political Science and Business Administration.

Originally from New Orleans, Nial attended Holy Cross High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the top forty under 40 leaders in the community, and is alum of the Baton Rouge Leadership and Louisiana Leadership programs. Nial serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee, Greater New Orleans Inc.'s Next Gen Council, New Schools for Baton Rouge Board, Teach for America Board, and is Chairman of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Emerging Leaders Council. He has helped raised money for the American Cancer Society, Republican Governor's Association, and several elected officials. Nial currently resides in Baton Rouge.

Shalamar Parham joined Cornerstone in January 2025 after serving as a Senior Policy Analyst with GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, where she lobbied and advocated on client issues and analyzed legislation to support client needs.

Prior to that, Shalamar served as Policy Manager/Legal Counsel for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, where she provided policy advice, drafted legislation, and led a team of nine in summarizing over 1,000 bills. Her experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff for former Georgia State Representative Erick Allen (D-GA), overseeing legislative strategies, managing staff, and coordinating with leadership.

In addition to her public policy expertise, Shalamar has an extensive legal background. She worked as the Managing Attorney at her own firm - Parham Law Firm, LLC, where she managed active cases, recruited and developed legal teams, and handled firm operations for more than a decade.

She holds a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University.

Sally Kilpatrick advises a diverse set of clients on state legislative and regulatory issues with a focus on healthcare, energy, education and economic development policy. Sally joined Cornerstone's Atlanta, Georgia office in September 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience providing strategic advice to the private sector.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Sally served as vice president of government affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Through her seven-year tenure at the Chamber, Sally developed an extensive background managing legislative and regulatory issues in the policy areas of water, energy, education, economic development and health care. While at the Chamber, Sally served on the Technology Association of Georgia's Government Affairs Taskforce and the Georgia Water Alliance. She managed the Georgia Chamber's Local Chamber Legislative Ad Hoc Committee and legislative affairs for Chamber's Small Business Advisory Council.

She has established strong, bipartisan working relationships with House and Senate members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials. Her industry specific knowledge and key relationships have been valuable in assisting clients to successfully achieve their legislative and regulatory objectives at the state Capitol.

Sally is a current board member of Atlanta Moms Making A Difference and serves on the executive committee of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council.

Sally earned her B.S. in Journalism at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She and her husband Trey reside in Atlanta with their daughter, Phen, and son, Clark.

Charlene Puchalla serves as an Assistant Vice President in Cornerstone's Atlanta, GA office, assisting the firm's government relations team with client service activities including conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Charlene joins Cornerstone following her time at Wellstar Health System, where she held multiple positions, most recently serving as a Government Relations Specialist. In this role, she developed and managed relationships with elected officials and key staff in Georgia at the local, state and federal levels, while assisting in developing and recommending legislative priorities and goals. Charlene gained invaluable experience summarizing and interpreting the impact of legislation and preparing legislative summaries, regular communications and presentations. She also served as a Legal Assistant of Government Relations at Wellstar.

Prior to Wellstar, Charlene served as a scheduler and field representative for Representative Tom Price (R-GA) for more than seven years. She began her career as a legislative and research aid in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Charlene earned her bachelor's with a concentration in public administration from Shippensburg University.

6-10 years

20+ years

Leadership Maryland Board and is a member of the class of 2019

University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Public Policy External Advisory Board

Maryland Economic Development Association Board and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea E. Mansfield brings her ability to successfully execute advocacy efforts and programs to Manis Canning. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.

Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo's Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.

In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

15-20 years

State Government Affairs Council

With nearly two decades of governmental experience, as both a public employee and as a private consultant, Tim Shea has developed a keen understanding of how the government works and how to achieve results for clients within the governmental arena. Serving as Director of Brown Rudnick's Government Relations Practice in the Hartford Office, Tim directs the firm's local and state activities at both the legislative and executive branch levels, servicing a full slate of government relations clients.

Tim's clients include energy and technology companies, health care institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, large multi-national corporations and non-profit entities.

Before joining Brown Rudnick, Tim spent seven years at Capitol City Economic Development Authority (CCEDA), the quasi-public authority formed to direct and manage state-supported economic development in and around Hartford, Connecticut's Capital City.

Chase Everton brings more than a decade of experience as a lobbyist who has worked with federal, state, and local governments.

He has worked for associations, as an in-house lobbyist where he managed multi-state government relations efforts, including working with legislative bodies and attorneys general, and as a contract lobbyist. His government relations clients consist of many Fortune 500 companies and national brands such as 1-800 Contacts, Ancestry, eBay, Expedia Group, and Facebook.

Chase specializes in disruptive technologies, tax policy, and economic development. Over the past few years, he has secured millions of dollars in appropriations for his clients. Additionally, Chase has managed numerous public affairs projects for Fortune 500 mergers, local governments, and nonprofits.

Chase received a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Utah. When not at the Capitol, you will find Chase golfing and fly fishing in Utah's beautiful rivers.

11-15 years

Nick Streuli is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sundial Advocacy. Prior to becoming a consultant in the private sector, Nick worked in senior executive positions in state government for nearly 15 years helping state agencies and the Governor navigate policy and regulatory challenges. Known for his collaborative problem solving and partnership building savvy, Nick has been at the center of many of the largest legislative and regulatory battles of the last decade.

Previously, Nick served as Governor Jay Inslee's executive director of policy and outreach, where he managed teams in both Washington State and Washington D.C in charge of statewide policy, congressional affairs, international relations, and local government outreach.

Prior to his service with Governor Inslee, Nick worked as the legislative director for the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). He also worked as the ESD federal government and tribal affairs liaison prior to serving as the legislative director.

He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP), a nonpartisan public research group whose mission is to carry out practical, non-partisan research at the legislature's direction. Nick currently serves on the Advisory Board of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a joint effort of Washington State University and the University of Washington to foster collaborative public policy in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.

Nick lives in Olympia with his partner Christina and their teenage son. He holds a master's degree in business administration and a B.A. in political science and economics, both from Washington State University.

11-15 years

Gabrielle Kees joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2009 with over 12 years of experience working in and around the Louisiana Legislature and Louisiana politics.

Gabrielle served as a senior lobbyist for the Louisiana Association for Justice for six years, leading legislative efforts to preserve and improve access to the civil justice system and the legal profession. She built dozens of strong relationships with legislators and their staff and in her spare time, worked on several campaigns for legislative candidates. Gabrielle continues to represent the association as outside counsel and leads the team for Cornerstone.

In addition to her work with LAJ, Gabrielle is an integral part of several other Cornerstone client teams including UnitedHealth, CenturyLink, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Prior to joining the LAJ, Gabrielle spent six years as a staff attorney for various committees in the Louisiana House of Representatives. She began her career in the House as liaison to the Legislative Auditor's Office. She then staffed the House Committee on Agriculture, and eventually served as the attorney for the House Commerce Committee, where she specialized in drafting legislation on occupations and professions, banking and financial institutions, business associations, river navigation and piloting, and commerce in general.

Gabrielle received a BA in political science from Louisiana State University where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1996, and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar Association. After graduating she served as a law clerk for the 20th Judicial District Court.

20+ years

The Best Lawyers in America, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Regulations Practice (2007-2019)

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated

Methodist University- Economics and Business Alumni Award (2003)

B. DAVIS HORNE, JR. manages the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and leads a team of professionals in the firm's Corporate Relocation and Expansion practice. Dave has spent nearly 30 years representing private interests - including many non-profit associations, medical groups and businesses - before the North Carolina General Assembly and other state and federal government entities. He has been rated in the top twenty of more than 700 lobbyists registered in the State by an independent survey of his peers, the press, and legislators conducted by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc for more than a decade.

Dave also advises clients expanding in or relocating to North Carolina about state and local economic development incentives. He has represented clients in many of the state's largest economic development projects.

After receiving his BA with honors from Methodist University, Dave spent several years in business, returning to law school and receiving a J.D. from Campbell University with distinction. His law practice experience includes serving as Associate General Counsel and State Legislative Director for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated entities, which include the largest domestic property and casualty insurer in North Carolina. He also served as Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Bar Association for five years.

Stephen Ledet joined Cornerstone Government Affairs' Baton Rouge, Louisiana office in July 2018. Stephen has nearly 20 years' experience working in government affairs in Baton Rouge.

Stephen previously served as the director of public affairs for Entergy Louisiana, where he led and implemented their legislative strategy. Much of his time at Entergy was spent relationship building with legislators, leadership, and their staff. Stephen was also involved in the management of Entergy's political action committee (PAC) contributions and recruiting PAC membership.

Prior to his five years at Entergy, Stephen spent nearly 12 years on staff with the Louisiana Association for Justice, where he managed the Association's contract lobbyists and lobbying team. Stephen advised the Association's executive director and committee on legislative strategies and directed its legislative fundraising efforts.

Stephen serves on the board for the Salvation Army and is a member of the St. Aloysius Church Men's Club.

Stephen received his B.B.A in marketing from Mississippi State University. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Mackenzie, and their twins, Henry and Willis.

20+ years

A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.

11-15 years

20+ years

I continue to be selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Concord, NH for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Insurance Law, Energy Law, Government Relations, Banking and Finance Law, and Financial Services Regulation Law. I was recognized by Best Lawyers as Concord's "Lawyer of the Year" in Government Relations in the 2022, 2018, 2016, and 2013 editions, in addition to being named by Best Lawyers as Concord's "Lawyer of the Year" in Insurance Law in the 2020 and 2017 editions.

I appear before various executive and administrative agencies and boards including the Insurance Department, Public Utilities Commission and Health-related Boards. I also have extensive experience representing clients before various other state agencies and the New Hampshire Legislature.

I am the former legal counsel to the NH State Senate. My practice focuses primarily on regulated industries. I have extensive experience representing clients before the NH Legislature and various executive and administrative agencies and boards, including the Insurance Department, the Public Utilities Commission, and health-related boards. I regularly advise insurers, financial institutions, and other businesses on insurance and general business law issues. I also have extensive experience representing national and international companies planning, sitting, permitting, and constructing large energy generation and transmission infrastructure projects.

Rachel Farmer has 20 years of experience in government affairs activities including, policy development, executive branch engagement, drafting legislation, grassroots activities and political campaign strategies. She has extensive knowledge of health care related issues, state budget and capital outlay processes and economic development business incentives. She joined Cornerstone's in October 2022 and serves as a principal in the Baton Rouge office.

Rachel came to Cornerstone from UnitedHealth Group, where she served as vice president of external affairs and managed the development and implementation of political strategy, relationship development, public policy engagement and overall business advancement initiatives with key state and local policy makers. Additionally, she was responsible for directing all executive and legislative lobbying activities for three state territory, including establishing and overseeing all PAC and corporate political contributions and managing government affairs consultants in each state.

Prior to that, she was a legislative and congressional liaison to Secretary Stephen Moret with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED). She reported directly to the Secretary and served as the primary contact for all legislative communication on behalf of LED, assisting the Secretary in the development of strategies and legislative initiatives to further enhance Louisiana's business development efforts.

Rachel also served as the director of governmental relations with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), where she led legislative and political activities for ABC Louisiana, provided lobbying services and actively tracked legislation and regulation issues of importance to ABC. She has experience working with the Louisiana Division of Administration and the House of Representatives serving as a confidential assistant and legislative analyst, respectively.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in business administration and a minor in political science from Louisiana State University.