0-5 years

Katie Nash has extensive experience in government and public affairs and began her career as a legislative aide in the Maryland General Assembly. For more than fifteen years, Ms. Nash has developed strong relationships within state and local governments and brings thorough knowledge of the legislative process and grassroots advocacy. Her notable experience also includes serving as a Maryland non-profit executive, government contract program manager, and communications professional.

Ms. Nash founded her firm in 2019 and is a passionate advocate for fair business dealings. She is honored to have within her portfolio a wide range of industries, ranging from energy to local government to procurement. She is equally honored to work with strong partners and has a reputation in Annapolis for her integrity and dedication to the greater good.

B.A., Miami University
Major: Political Science

Advising clients on a broad range of topics in Texas and beyond is what Greg Macksood has dedicated his life to for the past 20 years. During that time, he has served as a trusted advisor to a wide range of clientele including Fortune 100 corporations, state trade associations and seed capital pre-revenue startups in developing political, legislative, media and grassroots engagement strategies throughout the country.

After attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received a B.A. in Political Science, Macksood split his time between Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C. working for a national public affairs and government relations firm. There, he focused on healthcare, tax policy, and natural resources.

Since then, Macksood has directed the government relations efforts in Texas for one of the nation's largest energy companies. It was during that time that he served on numerous boards and held multiple leadership positions across several trade associations. All the while, Macksood was learning how to navigate different political climates across Texas and effectively advocate for the energy sector, maintaining and developing deep political relationships in both parties.

In addition to his deep legislative relationships across both sides of the aisle, Macksood also has extensive experience representing interests before Texas regulatory agencies on issues including water, transportation, eminent domain, air permitting, insurance, healthcare, electricity and land use and minerals. His intimate knowledge of agency procedures makes him an effective advocate for his clients.

As for political experience, Macksood has managed statewide ballot initiatives, created issue advocacy coalitions, and implemented media communications strategies.

Greg is also the father of three young children who keep him and his wife Dakota busy outside of the world of politics.

0-5 years

U.S. Senate; U.S. House of Representatives; Illinois Department of Transportation

Before joining the firm, Greg Bales worked for U.S. Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin for more than a decade, serving as senior advisor in the Senator's government office as well as his campaign manager for his 2020 reelection. During his time with the Senator, he oversaw special projects throughout Illinois, and worked as a liaison to elected officials, businesses, community organizations, and other constituencies across the state.

Prior to joining Senator Durbin's staff, Greg worked as a policy advisor for the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was a staffer for former Illinois Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, and he has worked on numerous political campaigns in California, Illinois, and Indiana. Before managing Senator Durbin's recent reelection, Greg took leave to elect Illinois Congressman Sean Casten to his first term in 2018, and served as Illinois state director for Secretary Hillary Clinton's 2016 Presidential campaign.

Greg's relationships span across the state, including the Illinois Congressional delegation, the Illinois General Assembly, City of Chicago, Cook County government, and in numerous municipalities and local units of government. Greg has concentrated on infrastructure funding, economic development, and earmarks. He has worked with Illinois General Assembly leadership on legislative language to ensure millions of dollars in federal funding for election security were allocated to cybersecurity; managed multi-million-dollar campaign budgets; pitched stories and gone on the record with the media; and lobbied for state funding for public transit.

ROBERT CULLEY has had extensive experience in the legislative process for over 35 years before the Texas Legislature and various state agencies of government. He was Chief of Staff for a State Representative who was later elected State Senator. His service at the Capitol has left him with strong relationships among both members and staff. During his time working for the legislature, Robert oversaw the House Public Education Committee and the Senate Administrative Committee. Then, he became the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Texas Motor Transportation Association where he managed public relations, grassroots and lobbying efforts for the association's 1200 members.

In 1993, Robert joined Polan Culley Inc. (then Polan Ingram Advocacy Group), bringing his extensive Capitol and trade association experience to the firm. He brings his clients a wealth of knowledge in strategy and project management, and is well-respected for his aggressive pursuit of the client's interest in long term goals.

0-5 years

Logan Spence is a Partner at the Austin office of Hance Scarborough, LLP where he represents trade associations, corporations and interest groups before the state legislature and agencies. Logan began his career in state government in 1999 as an intern for State Senator Robert Duncan. In 2001, he worked as the legislative assistant to State Rep. Warren Chisum. While attending law school in Houston, Logan worked for Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, District Judge Harvey Brown and the government affairs office of El Paso Energy.

Upon graduating from law school, he spent five years as a Policy Director in Gov. Rick Perry's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy covering a wide variety of issues and agencies. Logan moved to the Texas State Senate in 2007 where he served as Sen. Dan Patrick's Chief of Staff.

In 2013, Logan served as the manager for Dan Patrick's campaign for lieutenant governor. This ultimately successful effort, against three established statewide incumbents, gave Logan first-hand experience in political communications, grassroots management and campaign strategy. After leading the transition team, Logan was named Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor in 2015.

Logan's broad experience in the Texas House, Texas Senate as well as the Office's of Governor and Lt. Governor, give him a unique ability to advocate for his clients in Texas government. Logan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Texas Tech University and a Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law. He has been married to his wife Cynthia for over 20 years and they have four children.

Anne Mazuca brings over a decade of legislative experience working at the Texas Capitol, most recently serving six years as Chief of Staff to State Representative R.D. ‘Bobby' Guerra.

During her time working in the Texas legislature, she has worked for Members from Dallas, Galveston and South Texas, allowing her the opportunity to build relationships with local elected officials, community leaders and stakeholders from across the state while working on a wide range of policy areas. Prior to being named chief of staff, she served as a legislative director and legislative aide where she was the primary staff lead for the House Appropriations Committee Article II and Article III focusing on healthcare and education funding, the Public Health Committee, Energy Resources, Business & Industry, Ways & Means and Insurance committees.

In her capacity as chief of staff, Anne was responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations of the Capitol and McAllen offices. Outside of the office, she provided support for her Member's re-election campaign where she provided feedback on messaging, managed all Texas Ethics Commission and campaign finance filings and offered general advice and assistance related to his campaign.

An Austin native, Anne has close ties to the city in which she still resides.

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.

Craig Holzheauser brings to Cornerstone years of involvement in Texas state and local politics. The son of a state representative, Craig went to work in the private sector after college before beginning a political career at the state capitol in 2012.

Working as a legislative consultant, managing the campaigns of House and Senate members, and serving as legislative director and then committee director of the House Committee on Public Health in his first year of employment, Craig is goal oriented and proven himself to be a quick study. Craig has a keen political intuition and a knack for developing the type of relationships that matter in campaigns, service of an elected official, or success for his clients.

A native of Victoria, Texas, Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Texas A&M University.

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.

B.S., Cum Laude,
Texas Tech University
Major: Agricultural & Applied Economics

Drew DeBerry has more than 20 years of experience at the highest levels of public policy development and implementation. He has dedicated his years of service to developing a wealth of knowledge and relationships that complement the growing range of clients at Axis Strategic Partners.

DeBerry served on Governor Greg Abbott's senior staff for the first three years of his term as governor, most recently serving as Director of Budget and Policy and as Policy Director prior to that. In those roles, DeBerry worked closely with executive agency commissioners, directors, and staff as well as legislative offices on all aspects of the state budget and programs throughout state government.

Prior to working for Governor Abbott, DeBerry was the Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture under then-Commissioner Todd Staples. This position followed several years in Washington, D.C. serving under President George W. Bush as the White House Liaison and Deputy Chief of Staff at USDA. He began his career working in the legislative arena as a staff member in the Texas State Senate.

Throughout his extensive public service career, DeBerry has also worked on state and national political campaigns to develop grassroots coalitions and help to direct overall campaign strategy.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Drew and his wife, Kara, have four outstanding and talented children.