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Former chief of staff for House Appropriations Cardinal

Leads both federal and state clients from the firm's Houston office

Serves on advisory and steering committees for Texas delegation members

Tony Essalih joined Cornerstone in 2011 as a co-lead of the firm's flagship Texas office in Houston. He spent 12 years on Capitol Hill and came to Cornerstone from the office of Congressman John Culberson (R-Houston). Tony worked for Congressman Culberson for 10 years, the last five as his chief of staff. Prior to becoming chief of staff, Tony served in a variety of capacities including legislative assistant, legislative director, communications director, and deputy chief of staff. He spent eight years in Washington, D.C. before relocating to Houston in 2007.

As chief of staff, Tony was responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations of the Congressman's Washington and Houston offices, and oversaw a 15-member staff under a fixed budget. Outside of the office, he served as the principal liaison to the Congressman's campaign committee and provided strategic counsel and advice related to his re-election efforts. Tony's areas of policy expertise include transportation, energy, budget and appropriations. Tony also led outreach efforts and served as an emissary on behalf of the Congressman with state lawmakers in Austin and local elected officials in Houston.

Prior to Culberson's election in 2001, Tony worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman Culberson's predecessor, former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer. Tony's began his tenure on Capitol Hill with former House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings.

Tony has advised and assisted numerous local, state, and federal campaigns. He serves on the board of the National InterFaith Foundation, the Advisory Board for the Houston Technology Center, spent two years on the Board of the Spring Branch Medical Center and was a member of Houston Mayor Annise Parker's transition team in 2010.

Tony was born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA and received his B.A. in Political Science from Mary Washington College. He was a member of Mary Washington's NCAA semifinalist men's soccer team. He lives in Houston and has two angelic daughters, Grace and Libby.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Over 20 years of experience developing and implementing effective procurement and policy strategies, and facilitating public-private partnerships

Experience working with clients at the city, state and federal levels in various industries including transportation, energy, engineering, manufacturing, and in the international market

Bar certified in Texas, New York, and New Jersey

Felix Chevalier is an attorney and government affairs professional with over 20 years of experience developing and implementing effective procurement and policy strategies. He's skillful at identifying and facilitating public-private partnerships. Felix joined Cornerstone's Houston office as a senior consultant in June 2022.

Felix provides expertise and client support at the local, state and federal levels. He also has an extensive national and international network, specifically in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Felix has worked with companies in various industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, engineering, and technology. By leveraging his business, political, and legal experience, Felix has built a successful track record of working with clients to advance their strategic business objectives. He has strong relationships with the international diplomatic community and government officials. He has facilitated official delegations and international trade missions, representing companies, local governments and national associations.

In 2005, Felix launched his own Houston-based law firm, The Chevalier Law Firm, which he continues to manage and operate, representing companies in a wide variety of industries. He also co-founded Key PAC, which is a non-partisan organization that convenes business and community principals with political leaders on economic and social matters.

Felix received his law degree from St. John's University School of Law, his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz College and completed an Executive Education Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He also speaks fluent Spanish.

Over 20 years of state government service at the highest levels

Extensive knowledge and experience of government procurement and operations

Recipient of TSABAA's Administrator of the Year Award for leadership and agency business administration

Ranked #1 Former Texas Agency Head by the Capitol Inside 2019 Texas Lobby Power Rankings

Martin Hubert brings a wealth of state government experience to the clients of Cornerstone Government Affairs. From his early career as chief counsel to the Senate Natural Resources Committee to his gubernatorial appointment as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to his eight years as the deputy comptroller of Texas, Hubert has managed thousands of employees and millions of taxpayer dollars under both Democrat and Republican administrations.

Martin was the 2008 recipient of TSABAA's Administrator of the Year Award. Presented annually, this prestigious award was established to formally recognize state employees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and who have made significant contributions to state agency business administration.

As the final general counsel to legendary Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, Martin learned the mastery of government relations from some of the most influential leaders in Texas history. His knowledge of agriculture stems from generations of the Hubert family's cow/calf and farming operations in South Texas and serving as the Texas Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for eight years. Martin offers a unique combination of legal, natural resources, tax policy and state government procedural expertise.

Hubert is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center and St. Mary's School of Law. He was Brigade Executive Officer in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers Honor Guard and the Singing Cadets. He successfully completed Army Ranger School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a marathon runner and coaches his son's little league teams.

Hubert is a second tenor and helps raise money for Legal Aid through the Travis County Bar Association's "Bar and Grill" fundraisers. He and his wife Celeste live in a historic home in Austin, where they are involved with the Austin Symphony, St. Theresa's Catholic Church and School, and the happily busy lives of their children Belle and Patrick.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Previously served as chief engagement officer at the Houston Independent School District

Former chief communications officer & deputy director for the Office of the Houston City Controller, Houston's elected chief financial officer

More than a decade of experience in public affairs, strategic communications and government relations across the Texas market

Max Moll joined the Cornerstone Public Affairs team April of 2023, bringing a public affairs and strategic communications presence to Cornerstone's Texas offices. In his previous role as chief engagement officer at the Houston Independent School District, he oversaw government relations, communications, family and community engagement and board relations for the nation's eighth largest school district. He also oversaw the district's legislative affairs work and external lobby team, ensuring alignment and execution of district's legislative priorities. In addition, he represented the district with external stakeholders, in traditional and digital media appearances, and on panels and other various speaking opportunities. He was also the lead spokesperson for the district and main point of contact for elected officials, advocacy groups and private industry.

Prior to working at HISD, Max served as the chief communications officer & deputy director for the Office of the Houston City Controller, Chris B. Brown. He spearheaded all communications initiatives for the Office of the City Controller, working across the City of Houston's 22 departments to help unify external and internal communications. Max served as liaison between Controller's Office and the city's investors, developing key external messaging relating to investment strategy, portfolio performance, and maintaining key relationships with city's investor base. In addition, and in partnership with the Controller's Office Treasury Division, Max helped oversee the city's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments, helping grow the portfolio to over $950 million.

Max also served as the chief of staff to the CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the development and execution of the Chamber's public affairs and community outreach efforts, legislative advocacy campaigns and external affairs projects. Also, he served as the main point of contact for media, securing comprehensive coverage and managing all media relationships on behalf of the Chamber and its members.

He holds a master's in business administration from Boston University, master's in political management from George Washington University, and a bachelor's in mass communication from LSU.