Illinois lobbyist Mandy Drendel adds new expertise to the firm’s growing operation in Springfield
Cornerstone, a leading, bipartisan government relations and public affairs firm, with federal and state reach, announced the addition of Mandy Drendel Tuesday as a vice president to the firm’s Springfield, IL office.
Mandy brings to Cornerstone deep experience advocating on behalf of clients before the Illinois General Assembly and Executive Branch. As a contract lobbyist, Mandy worked on behalf of industries including telecommunications, energy, gaming, healthcare, insurance, education and cannabis.
“Mandy’s addition to the firm is exciting and adds depth and breadth to our offices in Illinois,” said Campbell Kaufman, Managing Director for State Government Relations. “We are so delighted she agreed to be a part of the Cornerstone team, helping us grow in new areas and service our existing, significant client-base.”
Previously, Mandy served as senior legal counsel in the Illinois Senate President’s office, where she worked on telecommunications, insurance, tax, higher education and pension issues. During her tenure, Mandy helped to lead major legislative initiatives including a telecommunications rewrite, small cell wireless deployment, major insurance legislation, revenue packages, property tax relief and pension reform. Mandy’s experience on the Senate Democratic legal team also included staffing the General Assembly’s administrative rulemaking committee, providing her with direct access and insight into the regulatory arm of Illinois state government.
Mandy joins Will Cousineau, Bill Smith, Julia Larkin and Lauren Schreck in Cornerstone’s Illinois offices in Springfield and Chicago.
“I am excited to be a part of the highly regarded team already in place at Cornerstone,” Mandy said. “Cornerstone’s focus on effective client representation at all levels of government sets it apart.”