20+ years

1) Top 40 Under 40 in Mississippi
2) Top 50 Businesswomen in Mississippi
3) Pollie Award Winner
4) Mississippi Human Trafficking Council: Policy & Legislative Subcommittee
5) EPA Fellow while working on doctorate degree

1) Mississippi Attorney General's Office
2) Mississippi Department of Public Safety
3) Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi
4) Mississippi Gaming Commission

Doctoral work in public policy administration greatly enhances her ability to identify, define, and expand issues important to her clients. She was an EPA Fellow while completing her doctoral level course work. Echols develops a broad coalition of support, sometimes going
against conventional wisdom and status quo, to achieve a successful end result. She has a keen ability for trouble shooting an issue and predicting potential problems and anticipating their positive solutions. She has a proven ability to rapidly assess a situation, provide a workable plan of action, and develop pockets of support to achieve the desired outcome.

Remember... When results matter, you need The Echols Group!

20+ years

Camille Young brings almost two decades of background in the practice of state and federal government affairs to Cornerstone's Jackson, Mississippi office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Camille spent 10 years as a government affairs representative with one of the State's leading law firms, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

Prior to that, Camille spent five years at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation in several positions, including communications specialist, director of media relations and government relations specialist. During her time at Farm Bureau, she also spent time on Capitol Hill establishing relationships and providing support for the agricultural community. She also held a position with the United States Department of Agriculture as an outreach and public affairs specialist.

At Watkins Ludlam, Camille worked for the state and federal legislative interests of clients as varied as an institution of higher learning, a major automotive manufacturer, associations that represent constituents in every county of the state and healthcare entities. In addition to her Capitol lobbying tasks, Camille provided significant support to clients in areas of public relations and community relations.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour tapped Camille to serve as a museum liaison for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum project that joined public and private sponsors to launch the venture that will honor Mississippi's history in the Civil Rights Movement.

Camille is very involved in community activities like the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Board of Directors, the Junior League of Jackson Sustainers Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Mississippi 4-H Foundation. She also was honored to serve as President of the Mississippi State University National Alumni Association in 2012-13.

Camille has been honored for her professional accomplishments and service to the community as a member of the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 50 Business Women (2006) and Top 40 Under 40 (2005). She was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi and Alumnus of the Year by the Central Mississippi Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. She also is a member of the BankFirst Board of Directors and the inaugural class of Top 50 Most Influential People in Mississippi.

Camille grew up in Shannon, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University (B.A., 1994 and M.S., 1996).

Camille and her husband Keith are the proud parents of three children and enjoy living in rural Madison County. Camille is an active participant in her church, community and the school activities of her children.

Camp is currently the managing partner at Corporate Relations Management, a government relations firm based in Canton, MS. Previously Camp served as a Policy Advisor in the office of Governor Phil Bryant where he handled military policy, public safety, corrections, emergency management, and budget policy. Prior to joining the Governor's staff in January, 2012, Camp spent more than five years working as a Budget Analyst at the Legislative Budget Office, where his duties included helping state leaders prepare Mississippi's budget. Camp earned a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, with a minor in Communications, from Mississippi State University. Camp was appointed Chairman of Bully Bloc, one of the state's largest PACs, in late 2017. Bully Bloc is a Political Action Committee dedicated to the success of Mississippi State University and all Institutions of Higher Learning within the state. Camp served as Chairman of Bully Bloc through the 2019 election cycle and remains on the board. He also serves on the board of Improve Mississippi Political Action Committee (IMPAC). He and his wife, Sydney reside in Madison, Mississippi with daughter, Gray, and son, John Burke.

Joe Sims joined Cornerstone with a wealth of experience in public and government affairs, particularly working with the energy industry in Mississippi. Prior to forming his firm, Pinnacle Consulting in 2007, he managed the US Oil and Gas Association, Mississippi/Alabama Division, in the state. His experience includes providing public and government affairs representation for the some of the largest energy companies in the nation.

Joe works in a bipartisan manner to represent his clients' interests. He has demonstrated his ability time and time again to build relationships and alliances that enable his clients to work effectively in state and local government, and to accomplish their business development goals. He has been involved in regulatory and legislative successes that have facilitated significant economic and energy development.

In addition to his state experience and contacts, he maintains very good working relationships with the members and staff of the Mississippi congressional delegation.

Joe was named to Mississippi's Top 50 Most Influential 2017 list recognizing the 50 most influential people in the state across the ranks of elected and appointed officials, economic development professionals, business, media, and government affairs.

He previously served as legislative chairman for Mississippians for Economic Progress (MFEP) during the historic 2002 Mississippi special session on tort reform. MFEP is a coalition of business, industry, and medical interests advocating civil justice reform.

Joe and his wife have three children, and four grandchildren.

Drew Maddox joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team in February 2020 as a vice president with more than 10 years of experience in finance and education policy. Previously, Drew served as the chief financial officer of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he oversaw all administrative divisions of the department, including accounting, communications, processing, information technologies and logistics. As CFO, Drew also worked closely with state legislators and statewide elected officials to guide tax policy decisions, liquor laws, and revenue-generating activities.

Prior to his time at the Department of Revenue, Drew also worked as director of state engagement at EdBuild, where he used his knowledge of political and governmental structures to strategically place educational reform proposals in the best positions for success in state legislatures across the country. Drew has also worked at the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office as the Senate budget officer, where he worked closely with leadership to craft and pass balanced budgets.

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts in English literature and his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two children (Sam and Bee), baseball, and gardening.

20+ years

Former Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Insurance
Campaign Manager for Attorney General, Lynn Fitch
Finance Director Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Chaney

The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.

US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress

International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)

Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)

0-5 years

Jordan Coopwood, a native of Cleveland, Miss., graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2018, earning a Bachelor of Business degree with majors in Real Estate and Marketing. Jordan also earned a Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College in 2019, where he served as a graduate assistant and analyst within its ELSEWorks Entrepreneurship program.

Jordan joins Ten One Strategies holding more than 3 years of Capitol Hill experience, where he previously served in different capacities on the staffs of Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Steven Palazzo, and most recently Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. During his time as a Legislative Aide with Senator Hyde-Smith, Coopwood assisted primarily in the issue areas of Small Business, Banking/Financial Services, and Agriculture - where he worked regularly with professional staff members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

Having the previous responsibilities of meeting with constituent stakeholder groups, researching policy, and preparing briefing materials, Jordan leverages this insight to effectively communicate on behalf of clients and produce practical, result-driven solutions. His understanding of the legislative process, government relationships, and broad experience from Washington, D.C., add immense value to the Ten One Strategies team as it expands federally.

Outside of work, Jordan is a passionate outdoorsman, enjoys long-distance running, and tailgating in the Grove for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Why did you choose lobbying?
During my time on Capitol hill, I had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table during meetings with constituents and organizations. I couldn't help but notice what was clear and effective communication, and what wasn't. That being said, I chose to enter the government relations industry after seeing how attainable real and positive change is for Mississippi when stakeholders, industry leaders, and government officials put their heads together to problem-solve. Whether it be through appropriated federal funding, a changing legislative text, or simply bringing to light issues that affect everyday people, it's rewarding to pursue these goals, and on occasion be able to say, "I was a part of that".

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Federal Advocacy
Procurement
Strategy
Association Support

Elliott Flaggs joined Cornerstone's Jackson office in October 2015. He most recently served as a special assistant attorney general with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office in the capacity of legislative liaison for Attorney General Jim Hood and director of the Child Desertion Unit. His responsibilities included analyzing and advocating legislation impacting state citizens and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, advising the executive staff on legislative strategies, and making recommendations regarding legislative proposals. He also prosecuted parents for child neglect and abandonment in the Public Integrity Division.

Prior to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Elliott attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering (B.A., 2007). After graduation, he was accepted into the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Walmart Emerging Leaders Program where he worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Congressman G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina - District 1). Subsequently, he attended The University of Mississippi School of Law and graduated cum laude (J.D., 2012). During law school, he was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and Dean's Leadership Council while also serving as a Law School Student Body Senator.

Furthermore, Elliott is an active member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Jackson Young Lawyers, Magnolia Bar Association, the Charles Clark Inn of Court and Jackson Professional Group. He is an incorporator and board member of The First Tee of Central Mississippi in Jackson, MS. He is also a 2015-16 graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson and now serves on their board of directors. In addition, Elliott has been recognized as an American Cancer Society - Best Dressed Jackson honoree as a result of his community service efforts and by the Clarion Ledger as a Top Politician and Politico Under 35 in Mississippi.

Elliott and his wife, Brittany, reside in Madison, MS with their daughter, Lianne.

0-5 years

Seth Hood assists the Adams and Reese Intersection of Business and Government Practice, representing clients in government relations, economic development, public finance, and counseling individual business and industry groups on how to navigate the regulatory challenges across local, state, and federal governments.

With a decade of experience and deep knowledge in the legislative, regulatory, and state procurement processes, Seth advises clients on government relations matters at the local level in Jackson, Mississippi, and at the federal level in Washington, D.C. 

Before joining Adams and Reese, Seth launched and served as managing partner of Political Sourcing Group, a business consulting and non-partisan campaign management firm. Managing the consulting, marketing and campaign efforts for political officials, small businesses, and nonprofits, he established long-standing relationships with Mississippi community leaders, business professionals, and elected officials. Among other services, he led campaign management and targeted marketing efforts for local, statewide, and federal political campaigns.

Seth formerly served as an associate at JM Hughes Group, providing governmental affairs consulting, association management, media management, and lobbying on behalf of clients by staying apprised of new bills and working beside legislators at the capital and with their campaign needs.

Seth began his professional career as a commercial insurance producer and risk management consultant for Terral Insurance, LLC, one of Mississippi's most longstanding insurance agencies. He earned the designation of Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist. His primary focus was working alongside the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and national insurance companies as they re-evaluated new risks to the school industry.

Born and raised in Jackson, Seth received his Bachelor of Business Administration (Risk Management and Financial Planning) from the Mississippi State University College of Business.

6-10 years

John Morgan Hughes is known for his high-energy, creative approach to advocacy with an emphasis on providing elite customer service to the firm's clients. Prior to his work in governmental relations, he served as general consultant and strategist to numerous political campaigns and campaign committees across the state of Mississippi. Since 2013, he has focused his work on advocating policies on behalf of firm clients before the Mississippi legislature.

In 2015, he founded the JM Hughes Group to assist corporations, non-profits, and governmental entities in their interactions with state government leaders. Since its inception, the firm has become Mississippi's fastest-growing governmental affairs firm with a reputation for delivering results and going the extra mile for clients. In addition to his professional work, John Morgan has served on the board of directors for many community organizations such as the Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center, Leadership Greater Jackson, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Vision 2022 Committee, the Mississippi State Chapter of Kappa Sigma Alumni Association, and Refill Cafe. In 2019, he was appointed by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to serve on the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District board of directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science Public Administration from Mississippi State University and a master's in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi.

He and his wife Brittany have one daughter, Charlie, and two dogs; a Labradoodle named Huck and a rescue Yorkie named Kona. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Millsaps College where he teaches an undergraduate course on advocacy and the legislative process. He is a proud veteran who currently serves in the 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, United States Air Force, Mississippi Air National Guard where he holds the rank of Captain.

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
I chose government relations because it provided me an avenue to stay in my home state and work on policies to improve our economic condition. As a first-generation college graduate, education and opportunity have been the difference in my life and I hope my work expands these opportunities to others. I love the diversity of our clients. No two days are the same.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Procurement and appropriation
Non-profits
Trade associations
Complex financial legislation
Regulatory relief

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.

15-20 years

Kelly Davis Cress has spent the past twenty years cultivating relationships with legislative members that make up the backbone of effective advocacy. She began her lobbying career as the Government Relations Coordinator for the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. As a contract lobbyist, she represented a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and trade associations. In 2021, Kelly partnered with JM Hughes Group to form Ten One Strategies.

In addition to her professional work, Kelly was a gubernatorial appointee to the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging, past member of Junior League of Jackson and Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland, Magnolia Luncheon Club, Jackson Ladies Tennis Association, Metro Area Tri Delta Alumnae and Delta State University Alumni Association. Kelly spends most of her free time serving at her children's schools and watching them play sports.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Management from Delta State University and is a graduate of the Mississippi Realtors Institute. Kelly is married to Blake, a Real Estate Broker/Developer and they reside in Ridgeland, MS with their sons, Davis and Cole.

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, I saw firsthand how policies can affect the quality of life in local communities. I love the diversity of clients we get to work with. No two days are the same.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Offensive legislation
Defensive legislation
Economic Development
501c3

6-10 years

LaDarion Ammons is a Jackson, MS native. After graduating from Mississippi State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science, LaDarion returned home to help run his family businesses.

During the 2014 Legislative Session, LaDarion served as a Policy Assistant for the Mississippi Speaker of the House. Shortly thereafter, Ammons attended the Mississippi College School of Law. After graduating in 2017, he began his career in Governmental Relations and Lobbying.

In addition to his career, LaDarion is very active in his community. He serves as a Board Member on the City of Jackson Planning Board, The Refill Jackson Initiative, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2014, he became the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit mentoring program, Brothers of Mississippi, Inc., with the vision to "Empower the youth through education, service, and leadership." LaDarion also is an Adjunct Professor at Millsaps College, where he teaches Local and State Politics.?LaDarion and his wife, Courtney, have one "child" named Zoey, which is a Boston Terrier. Some of his hobbies are golfing, traveling, reading, parasailing, and spending time with family.

In work and life LaDarion follows a saying by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
I could have never imagined having the honor of working in governmental relations and representing so many diverse groups and interests. Having a passion for policy and government interfacing drove my interest for jumping into this field, but more importantly the need of some many Mississippians from all walks of life.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Association Management
Non- Profits/Trade Associations
Procurement
Rules, Regulations, and Compliance
Federal Advocacy

20+ years

Dennis combines his corporate and public service experience to serve clients across a broad range of industries.Dennis has previously held the position of senate sergeant-at-arms for the Mississippi State Senate and served as a staff attorney in the Senate Legislative Services office. He has also served as senior attorney for the Mississippi Public Service Commission and as a regional public affairs manager for International Paper. Additionally, he is the author of the Mississippi Chapter, Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook.In addition to holding memberships and leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, Dennis is an adjunct professor of law at Mississippi College School of Law teaching the course, "Legislation."