(WASHINGTON) – Cornerstone, a leading, bipartisan government relations and public affairs firm, announced today the expansion of the firm’s public affairs practice with the addition of Richard Carbo, a veteran communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in state and federal government and politics. Carbo joins the firm from S-3 Public Affairs where he was a Vice President and helped lead the firm’s public affairs and strategic communications practice. Prior to his time in the private sector, Carbo served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director to Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA). At Cornerstone, Carbo will leverage his public affairs expertise and relationships throughout Washington, Louisiana and other state capitals across the country to assist clients with their legislative and communications priorities.
“Our public affairs practice continues to grow dynamically to meet the needs of our expanding client base,” firm President Campbell Kaufman said. “The addition of Richard to the team is critical to that growth and we’re excited to leverage his experience and expertise to help our clients successfully navigate complex communications and policy challenges.”
“Cornerstone’s reputation speaks for itself,” Carbo said. “As one of the country’s leading government relations and public affairs firms, this firm has a strong track record of winning the toughest battles inside the Beltway and in state capitals across the country. I look forward to using my experience in Washington and Baton Rouge running winning political and legislative campaigns to make a difference for Cornerstone’s clients.”
Carbo served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Gov. Edwards from 2015-2019. During that time, he oversaw Gov. Edwards’ communications and political strategy. Carbo led the communications efforts surrounding the Governor’s legislative package, public outreach, media engagement and disaster recovery efforts. In 2019, he left the Administration to serve as Campaign Manager for the Governor’s successful re-election campaign. After a nearly $100 million campaign, Gov. Edwards won re-election – becoming the first Democratic incumbent Governor to win re-election in the state of Louisiana in nearly 40 years. Carbo was named the 2020 Campaign Manager of the Year and Top 40 Under 40 by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) and the Edwards Campaign won overall Campaign of the Year.
Carbo also managed A Stronger Louisiana, a 501 (c)(4) created to promote the Governor’s legislative agenda and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic He has also manage successful campaigns for U.S. Congress, municipal races and state Supreme Court. Carbo has also successfully managed ballot initiatives in multiple states, including the successful effort to approve sports wagering in Louisiana. Throughout his work, Carbo has worked closely with the Democratic Governors Association, Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Most recently at S-3, Carbo served as a senior client consultant on a variety of corporate and nonprofit initiatives throughout the country, developing proactive public affairs campaigns for clients on issues related to healthcare, energy, technology and others.
Carbo started his career on Capitol Hill, serving in the offices of Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-LA) in 2009 and Rep. John Barrow (D-GA), as Communications Director and Campaign Manager to the Congressman from 2011-2014.
Carbo received a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.