Washington, DC –Cornerstone Government Affairs announced Wednesday the addition of Adam Yezerski, former Professional Staff Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, to its federal government relations team, expanding Cornerstone’s existing appropriations, foreign affairs and national security practices. Yezerski is one of the Committee’s longest-serving Republican staffers, having worked on the Committee under Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
“I’ve always respected Cornerstone’s culture of integrity and the impressive caliber of its people, and I’m excited to become part of this standout team,” Yezerski said. “After more than a decade on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how Cornerstone’s thoughtful approach and dedication deliver real impact. I look forward to leveraging my background to help clients successfully navigate Washington and achieve their objectives.”
Throughout his more than 11 years on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Yezerski managed appropriations accounts totaling more than $34 billion, including funding related to international security assistance, global health and international development assistance, State Department operations, and U.S. engagement with international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank. He also advised the Chairman of the Subcommittee on all federal spending matters related to the State Department, USAID, and Department of Treasury, analyzed budget requests and spending proposals submitted to Congress and drafted and negotiated the text of annual appropriations bills. In addition, Yezerski conducted field oversight of programs and operations under the Subcommittee’s jurisdiction in more than 40 countries around the globe.
“Adam is one of the brightest, most hard-working staff members I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He is a complete professional who is dedicated to getting good outcomes for the American people,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said. “Adam has been an indispensable member of our appropriations team and has a lot to be proud of during his time on the committee. He’s a good man and a good friend, and I wish him all the best.”
Prior to this role, Yezerski served as the Military and Foreign Affairs Legislative Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), where he was responsible for staffing the Senator in his role as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, and managed a portfolio of issues that included international relations, national security, foreign assistance and veterans’ affairs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Adam to the team. He brings tremendous experience, bipartisan relationships and an excellent reputation,” Cornerstone CEO Geoff Gonella said. “He will immediately add value to our clients and build upon several of the firm’s strengths.”
Yezerski received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Samford University and his Master of Science in European Union Politics and Law from the University of Edinburgh. He served as a Penn Kemble Fellow for the National Endowment for Democracy during 2017-2018 while working in the Senate.