Delora's Bio
Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq., is a Principal & Director in Cornerstone’s Annapolis office and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. In 2015, she was one of three principals who opened the Annapolis office, which she helped grow into Cornerstone’s Mid-Atlantic hub—serving clients across Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia in state and local government relations, procurement strategy and public policy.
A seasoned attorney, lobbyist and strategist, Delora brings two decades of experience in health policy, state procurement, regulatory affairs and legislative advocacy. Her broad portfolio includes hospitals, Medicaid managed care organizations, pharmaceutical and cannabis companies, county and municipal governments and businesses navigating public contracts and regulatory frameworks.
Delora’s achievements in healthcare policy are nationally recognized. She founded the Maryland MCO Association—uniting the state’s nine Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) —and served as its Executive Director, shaping policies impacting over 1.6 million Medicaid enrollees. Prior to joining Cornerstone, she served as Director of Policy and Advocacy for State Affairs at Johns Hopkins University and Health System, representing its interests before the Maryland General Assembly, executive agencies and regulatory bodies.
In addition to her deep healthcare expertise, Delora advises clients on strategic procurement, legislative engagement, regulatory compliance and local government relations. She is known for delivering results in complex political and policy environments and creating public-private alignment across sectors.
Delora earned her Juris Doctor with a certificate in Health Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Towson University. She is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia and holds a DEI certification from Stanford University.
Her contributions have earned wide recognition: 2020 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE), one of Maryland’s 40 Most Powerful in Government & Lobbying (2022, 2023), Women Who Lead (2020), VIP 40 Under 40 (2017) and Leading Women (2013). Delora is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and actively participates in nonprofit and civic initiatives.
She resides in Howard County with her family and continues to be a leading voice in healthcare, business and public-sector advocacy throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.