Sponsored Ad

SIDNEY ALLEN

(Mississippi)

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

  • Sidney's value to a client is a rare combination of long-standing, positive relationships with state officials and legislators, as well as with their staff, and an understanding of the important issues at the Capitol and throughout the State. - Perry Sansing, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Government Affairs, The University of Mississippi
  • 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.

    David helps Cornerstone clients identify opportunities and establishes a road map for success at a local, state and federal level

    On behalf of a Cornerstone client, David drafted, assisted in the passage, and secured funding, establishing a full medical school loan repayment program for primary care physicians

    David works with clients to increase funding and tax incentives enhancing economic development programs

    11-15 years

    David Adelman joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2010, bringing over 10 years of substantial experience in grassroots advocacy, developing and implementing strategic legislative campaigns, drafting and analyzing legislative language and reports and establishing, administering and advising political action committees.

    Before joining Cornerstone, David worked for a law firm in West Des Moines where his practice focused on government relations, legislative law, PAC compliance and strategic advising, and election law. David continues to secure millions of dollars for clients through appropriation language, enables clients to secure major policy changes in a variety of issue areas and helps defeat language that would have been detrimental to clients' interests.

    Prior to his role at the law firm, David worked with the Department of Justice, in the Iowa Attorney's General Office and clerked in the State Senate.

    David worked in Washington, D.C. at the Democratic National Committee where he helped to design the voter protection program in 2004 and returned to Des Moines where he assisted in the establishment of the legal protection network for the Iowa Democratic Party. David served two terms on the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee; the Board of Directors for the Democratic Party.

    Raised in Des Moines, David earned a B.S. in Marketing and Business Legal Studies from Miami University, and a certificate in International Business studying in London, England. He received his law degree with a Legislative Practice Certificate from Drake University Law School.

    David and his wife, Liz, reside in Des Moines where they are active in the community and have three sons, Michael, Benjamin and Sam.

    Previously served as a state lobbyist and staff attorney for the Iowa Hospital Association

    Extensive work with hospitals, managing their legislative needs, focusing specifically on behavioral health, licensure, financing and Medicaid

    Helps Cornerstone clients formulate strategies to achieve their legislative and regulatory objectives and needs

    Sara Allen joined Cornerstone in September 2016. Sara brings over five years of healthcare experience, as well as years spent lobbying, developing and executing policy positions, engaging grassroots advocates, and assisting with political action committee campaigns and endorsements. Sara assists clients throughout the legislative and rule-making process, focusing on health care and state government concerns.

    Most recently, Sara worked as a state lobbyist and staff attorney working for the Iowa Hospital Association, representing all 118 Iowa hospitals at the statehouse and various administrative agencies. In this position, Sara gained expertise in a variety of areas impacting hospitals and other health care providers; these areas include financing and reimbursement, behavioral health, value-based healthcare delivery reform models, informational technology innovation, regulatory and legal compliance, scope of practice concerns for specific providers, public body concerns, and public health initiatives.

    Before her position at the Iowa Hospital Association, Sara worked for a physician staffing company as associate corporate counsel. In that role, she was responsible for maintaining the corporation's business compliance, contract drafting and enforcement, and managing the human resources function.

    Sara received her juris doctorate from Drake University in December 2010 and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in April 2011. Prior to Drake, Sara received her Business Administration degree from Grand View University. In addition to her formal education, Sara received her private pilot's license in 2005 and enjoys recreational flying.

    Sara lives in Des Moines with her husband Colby and her three young children, Briar, Blake, and Boone.

    CAROLINE SIMS

    (Mississippi)

    As a trusted advocate throughout state government, Caroline works to advance clients' goals in the legislative and executive branches on a variety of issues important to them. Caroline brings the experience of assisting in creating innovative reforms to some of Mississippi's most critical challenges in the healthcare, education, transportation, and financial sectors. As a Senior Government Relations Advisor, she understands client goals and uses her experience and relationships to create a pathway for success.

    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.

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    Proven record of helping Cornerstone clients navigate the complexities of local, state and federal government to achieve their desired goals

    Former legislative director for a Member of Congress, chief of staff to the Iowa House Speaker and chief of staff to the Iowa Governor and Lieutenant Governor

    Experience developing concepts and spearheading successful passage of creative funding strategies and policies to foster economic development for Iowa companies and communities

    Matt Hinch brings over a decade of experience in state and federal government and as a well-respected campaign and political strategist. Most recently, Matt served as chief of staff to Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the State of Iowa's executive branch and the Governor's office. In addition, he served as the chief policy and political advisor to the Governor leading successful legislative efforts to strengthen Iowa's infrastructure, improve workforce training and reduce student debt.

    Prior to his role in the Governor's office, Hinch served as the senior vice president of government relations and public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa's largest chamber of commerce representing 21 affiliate chambers throughout the State and 5,300 business members. While at the Partnership, Hinch developed the concept and spearheaded the successful passage of the Iowa Reinvestment Act, a creative funding strategy bringing $100 million in resources to spur development into Iowa communities. Hinch was also influential in building support for the largest property tax reduction for all classes of property in Iowa's history and the Governor's historic education reform initiative, which has been recognized nationally by education organizations and the U.S. Department of Education for its innovative Teacher Leadership and Compensation plan.

    Previously, Hinch served as chief of staff to Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen. As the top aide to Paulsen, Matt was instrumental in assisting the Speaker and the House Republican Caucus as they successfully worked to eliminate a $900 million budget shortfall.

    Hinch also served as legislative director and campaign manager for Congressman Tom Latham. With Latham, Hinch managed the Congressman's legislative portfolio and his work on several House Appropriations subcommittees, assisting the Congressman in securing millions of dollars for his Iowa constituents. He also led two successful grassroots re-election efforts for Latham, including a 21-point victory in 2008.

    Matt is involved in a variety of local community initiatives including the Every Student, Every Day, Dowling Catholic High School Annual Appeal. Matt is also an active member in the Iowa State Blue Ribbon Foundation, an organization that works to promote and enhance activities for Iowa youth at the world-renowned Iowa State Fair. Matt is a contributor to the University of Iowa Foundation and the University of Iowa Athletics Department.

    Matt holds a B.A. in Communications, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Henry Tippie College of Business, all at the University of Iowa. A native of Des Moines, Matt resides in West Des Moines with his wife and two children.

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    Possesses nearly a decade of policy and government relations experience in Iowa

    Previously served as an attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm

    Former deputy chief of staff to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA)

    6-10 years

    Paige joined the firm's Iowa office after serving as an attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm for nearly two years.

    Prior to joining BrownWinick, she served as the deputy chief of staff for Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA). In that role, Paige oversaw the development of the Governor's policy agenda and successfully led efforts to enact the Governor's proposals to expand and fund mental health services, build broadband infrastructure, remove workforce barriers and expand educational opportunities. She also advised the Governor on the development of the state's $8.4 billion general fund budget and provided counsel on some of Iowa's most significant challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, civil unrest and a derecho. Before her time as deputy chief of staff, Paige worked as a policy advisor for Gov. Reynolds, focusing on health care and serving as the liaison to agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Public Health and the Iowa Insurance Division.

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Iowa State University and her Juris Doctorate degree and Health Law Certificate from Drake University Law School. She was admitted to the Iowa Bar in April 2011.

    KATHRYN STEWART

    (Mississippi)

    As a Senior Government Relations Advisor Kathryn has years of experience in state government, managing public relations campaigns and advising on policy issues. Most recently she worked with lawmakers on the passage of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Healthcare Collaboration Act and the Mississippi Charter School Act.

    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

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    Frank has a wealth of political experience as a state legislator, deputy secretary of state and liaison for the Iowa Economic Development Authority

    Works closely with legislators from both sides of the aisle to accomplish goals set out by Cornerstone clients

    Experience working on numerous campaigns, ranging from local to national races

    Before joining Cornerstone, Frank Chiodo most recently served as Deputy Secretary of State under Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro. While with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Frank worked closely with Governor Tom Vilsack and Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson to secure passage of the Iowa Values Fund, the largest and most successful economic development program in state history.

    Frank also worked on Senator Tom Harkin's 2002 Senate campaign, and in 1999-2000 helped Vice President Al Gore secure a victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

    Frank served in the Iowa House of Representatives representing District 67 in Des Moines from 1997 through 2003. He was ranking member of the Commerce Committee and elected as the minority whip.

    In 2017, Frank was recognized by the Iowa General Assembly as a Pioneer Lawmaker.