WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 1, 2026 – Cornerstone Government Affairs, an employee-owned, bipartisan government relations, public affairs and consulting firm, today announced that Joleen Rivera has joined the firm as Principal. Rivera brings extensive public- and private-sector experience developing policy and advancing legislation related to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other complex issues.
“I’m thrilled to join Cornerstone at such a pivotal moment for technology policy. As AI and other emerging technologies reshape nearly every industry, clients need advisors who can navigate Washington with credibility and pragmatism,” Rivera said. “Cornerstone’s bipartisan approach, deep bench of experienced advisors and collaborative culture make it the ideal place to do that, and I look forward to helping clients tackle complex policy challenges and create new opportunities.”
Rivera previously served as a Senior Manager on Amazon Web Services’ Americas Public Policy team, where she developed and implemented policy positions on AI and emerging technologies. In this role, she engaged Congress on AI policy, digital infrastructure, privacy, safety, workforce, trade and national security issues.
Prior to Amazon Web Services, Rivera served as Legislative Director and Chief Counsel to Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV), shaping the Senator’s legislative agenda across four committees. Rivera managed a policy team that introduced 75 bills, passed four standalone bills into law and successfully enacted 15 additional provisions as part of legislative packages. She also played a central role in negotiating major legislation including the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, and served as the Senator’s senior advisor on immigration, civil rights, economic policy and oversight matters.
Rivera worked at the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), where she advocated before Congress and the Administration on immigration reform, paid family leave and other working family issues.
She also served as Legislative Director and Judiciary Counsel to Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). She began her career in the office of Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), where she worked as a caseworker helping constituents navigate the immigration system.
“Joleen is renowned for her political savvy, negotiation skills and sound counsel” said Cornerstone Chief Executive Officer Geoff Gonella. “Her experience working across the public and private sectors to advance key legislation will greatly benefit Cornerstone clients. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Learn more about Cornerstone’s Technology and Telecom practice group by visiting https://cgagroup.com/services/technology-telecommunications/
About Cornerstone
Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc. is a bipartisan, employee-owned, public affairs firm with more than 225 professionals serving clients from coast to coast. Through its federal and state government relations; strategic communications; political action committees; grant consulting and advisory services, Cornerstone represents a diverse group of clients from myriad industries and sectors and maintains expertise in a wide range of issue areas, including agriculture, cyber security, defense, education, energy, health, homeland security, international affairs, tax policy, telecommunications and transportation and infrastructure.
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