Mike Goodman, Chief of Staff to Rep. Kind (D-WI), and Claire Burghoff, Communications Director for House Budget Committee under Rep. Womack (R-AR), join the firm on January 22
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Cornerstone Government Affairs, a leading bipartisan government affairs firm with a federal and state reach and public affairs capabilities, announced that Mike Goodman, Chief of Staff to Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) will join the firm as a Senior Vice President. Additionally, Claire Burghoff, Communications Director for House Budget Committee Majority under Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR), will join the firm as Vice President with Cornerstone Public Affairs.
With over 14 years of experience on Capitol Hill, Mike had been Chief of Staff to Rep. Kind since 2015. Prior to that, Mike worked as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA). Over his tenure Mike touched almost every Congressional policy issue but chose to specialize in trade, health care, and telecommunications. Additionally, Mike has over 18 years of campaign experience in Georgia, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
“Mike’s effective leadership on my team has been a true asset to Wisconsin’s Third District, and he has helped move the ball forward in many ways over the last four years,” said Congressman Kind. “He’s seen many accomplishments in his 14 years in the House, and while he’ll be missed, I know that he will bring tremendous experience and expertise to his next job. I wish him well and congratulate Cornerstone on their excellent hire.”
“I’m lucky to have the opportunity to go from one strong and effective team to another,” said Mike Goodman. “I’ve learned so much from Congressman Kind and many other friends and colleagues over the years, and am now thrilled to join the highly talented team at Cornerstone. I’m looking forward to adding to their already impressive expertise, problem-solving ability, and depth of knowledge.”
“We are thrilled to be adding Mike and Claire to our growing team,” said Cornerstone President Geoff Gonella. “’Both Mike and Claire have excellent reputations, a broad and diverse set of relationships and recognized expertise that will be a tremendous value add to our government relations and public affairs capabilities.”
Claire Burghoff joins the firm after having worked in and with Congressman Steve Womack’s congressional office and campaign for over five years. During that time, she served as Communications Director, Health Care Legislative Assistant, Spokesperson, and then Communications Director for the House Budget Committee Majority. She also previously served at the Department of Health and Human Services – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Advisor in the Office of Administrator Seema Verma. Claire’s expertise includes strategic communications and legislative strategy in the political arena.
“Claire is a terrific talent with proven success in my personal office and with the House Budget Committee,” Representative Womack said. “She is a skillful communicator with a unique insight into the workings on Capitol Hill. Capable in all mediums, her biggest asset is her political instinct—hard to find; impossible to teach.”
“I am thrilled to join Cornerstone’s growing Public Affairs practice,” said Claire Burghoff. “Cornerstone’s reputation and influence are unparalleled, and I look forward to using my years of experience in Washington at the intersection of communications and policy to help meet the increasing demand for integrated government and public relations services.”
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