Capitol Hill staff director with over two decades of experience on the House Appropriations Committee and service to Democratic and Republican administrations joins firm
Cornerstone Government Affairs today announced the addition of Steve Marchese to its federal government relations team. Steve is a subject matter expert in state and foreign affairs and international relations, possessing senior-level experience within the administration and on Capitol Hill. He brings 30 years of public service to the firm, including 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee, during which he was a subcommittee staff director for more than a decade. Additionally, he has seven years of experience at the U.S. Department of State serving both Democratic and Republican administrations.
“I am honored and excited to join the Cornerstone team and contribute to its unrivaled bipartisan reputation,” Steve said. “I look forward to advancing the firm’s global engagement and working with governments here and abroad to expand international development assistance and global health programs. I am grateful for the opportunity to use my government experience to assist our clients and advance vital programs that save lives, reduce global poverty, and build market opportunities in support of our nation’s global leadership and national security.”
Steve brings extensive appropriations knowledge and support to Cornerstone’s clients in global health, international development, foreign affairs, and national security. He joins Cornerstone following service in top roles on the Appropriations Committee, both as the staff director of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee and staff director for the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee. During his time at the Department of State’s Bureau of Legislative Affairs, Steve worked for both Democratic and Republican administrations, receiving two Superior Honor Awards and one Meritorious Honor Award for his service. Before the Department of State, he worked on Capitol Hill for multiple members of the Illinois Congressional delegation in the House and Senate.
“Steve is a well-respected subject matter expert on multiple fronts with an extensive network of global relationships,” said Geoff Gonella, Cornerstone president and managing director. “He will add immediate value to our clients and enhance several areas of strength at the firm. We are lucky to have him as part of the team.”