Longtime Maryland strategist and president of VBA, Inc. joins firm
Annapolis, MD – Cornerstone Government Affairs today announced the addition of Ellen Valentino as senior consultant to the firm. Valentino possesses more than 30 years of lobbying experience in the mid-Atlantic region.
Prior to joining Cornerstone, Valentino founded and operated her own legislative and association management consulting firm, Valentino-Benitez & Associates (VBA, Inc.), for more than 28 years. As president of the firm, she utilized her expertise in government affairs and issue advocacy, association management, research, and message development to support corporate clients. She has advocated for her clients and built trusted relationships and coalitions to represent their interests in matters before the District of Columbia City Council, the Maryland and Delaware legislatures, and local governments. In addition to representing various clients, Valentino currently serves as the executive vice president for the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Beverage Association and the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association.
Valentino joins a well-established Cornerstone team in Maryland that includes PJ Hogan, Delora Sanchez, Bernie Marczyk, John Bohanan, and Jenna Massoni. Together, the Maryland team now carries more than a century of government and legislative experience to provide outstanding services to clients.
“Ellen has a great reputation, tremendous expertise and excellent relationships inside and outside of government,” said Geoff Gonella, Cornerstone’s president and managing director. “She is a great addition to our firm and our ongoing efforts to broaden and diversify our team in Annapolis. She will make an immediate and positive impact for our clients.”
Valentino is equally positive about her new role. “Cornerstone has built a strong and proven reputation and I look forward to sharing our expertise to help support and advance client goals in Annapolis, Dover and in D.C.”