December 14, 2022

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Director Sarah Venuto to join Cornerstone Government Affairs

Venuto, Director of Office of External Affairs at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to join firm Feb. 1, strengthening Cornerstone’s energy practice

Cornerstone Government Affairs today announced the addition of Sarah Venuto, director of the Office of External Affairs at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), to its federal government relations team on Feb. 1, 2023. Venuto is an experienced advisor and attorney with expertise in political and legislative strategy, coalition building and federal policy focused on energy, environment and natural resources.

Venuto was appointed as director of the Office of External Affairs at FERC by Chairman Richard Glick in 2021. During her tenure at FERC, Venuto acted as the strategic advisor to the Chairman, working to advance priority agenda items including climate change, environmental justice, transmission policy and pipeline permitting improvements. As director, Venuto served as FERC’s liaison to the White House, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency and other key federal agencies with jurisdiction on energy issues.

“Sarah did a terrific job leading FERC’s Office of External Affairs and I wish her the very best at Cornerstone,” Chairman Glick said. “Her experience on Capitol Hill, FERC and the private sector is unmatched.”

“Sarah led the Office of External Affairs at FERC during an incredible time of transition for the energy space,” FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips said. “She has been a valuable advisor to me during my transition to FERC, and I wish her well in her new role.”

“Sarah has provided wise guidance and done tremendous work in her public service role at FERC, and we will miss her,” FERC Commissioner Clements said.

Prior to working in the Biden Administration, Venuto served as the vice president of public policy at Duke Energy, where she developed and executed policy strategies to advance the company’s net zero carbon and methane emissions goals, acting as the external thought leader and spokesperson on the campaign. Additionally, Venuto served as the Democratic staff director for the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources for then Ranking Member Joe Manchin (D-WV), directing the floor management of a package of 130 public land bills enacted into law in 2019. In that role, Venuto negotiated and executed the first climate change hearing for the Committee in seven years. Before serving as the Democratic staff director, Venuto also worked for Senator Manchin as his chief counsel and senior policy advisor from 2016 to 2019.

“Sarah was a valued member of my team and Cornerstone is extremely lucky to have someone with her knowledge and expertise,” Chairman Manchin of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources said. “I know she will continue to work in a collaborative way to solve the crises facing our nation.”

Venuto also served as the head of federal government affairs for America’s Natural Gas Alliance, as well as government relations director for CenterPoint Energy and legislative counsel for Entergy. From 2007 to 2008, Venuto also worked for the Hillary Clinton for President campaign as assistant counsel.

“We are thrilled that Sarah is joining our team. She has a wonderful reputation and brings a tremendous breadth and depth of experience, expertise and relationships from both the public and private sector,” Cornerstone President and Managing Director Geoff Gonella said. “Her service on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch and with major entities throughout the energy industry will add immediate value to our clients and the firm.”

“I could not be more excited to join the Cornerstone team and work with this extraordinary group of professionals,” Venuto said. “Cornerstone’s strong reputation and demonstrated record of success is a clear reflection of its collaborative team approach and expansive policy and political expertise. As the nation’s energy transition progresses, the legislative and regulatory landscape will present new opportunities and challenges. I look forward to helping Cornerstone’s clients navigate these opportunities and challenges, while growing the firm’s energy practice.”

Venuto received her Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts at the George Washington University.