Nial Patel

Principal and Director
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Nial Patel

Principal and Director
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Quick Facts

  • Former senior staffer to Governor Bobby Jindal
  • Top Forty Under 40, Business Report in 2014
  • Volunteer Activist of the Year in 2019
  • State Business Champion, LABI in 2020
  • Jensen D. Holiday Awardee, BRAC in 2021
  • National Finance Committee member, Republican Governors Association
  • Chairman of Emerging Leaders Council, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry

Nial's Bio

Nial Patel joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2011 after nearly a decade of service to Governor Bobby Jindal, dating back to his first run for governor in 2003. As one of the longest serving senior staff members for the Governor, Nial was the director of scheduling. Additionally, when Governor Jindal was elected to Congress, Nial served as his executive assistant. During his tenure with Jindal, Nial's duties varied from campaigning to research and outreach, working with elected politicians, stakeholders and government officials from Washington, D.C. and across the state of Louisiana.

Nial holds a master’s degree in economics from the Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University (LSU), and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in the science in economics from LSU, where he also minored political science and business administration.

Originally from New Orleans, Nial attended Holy Cross High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the top forty under 40 leaders in the community and is alumni of the Baton Rouge Leadership and Louisiana Leadership programs. Nial serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee, New Schools for Baton Rouge Board, Teach for America Board, and Baton Rouge Alliance for Children. In 2019, Nial was recognized as the Volunteer Activist of the Year by the Emerge Foundation. Nial also founded the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s (LABI) Emerging Leaders Council. LABI honored Nial as the Business Champion of the Year in 2020. He has helped raised money for the American Cancer Society, Republican Governor’s Association, and several elected officials. Nial currently resides in Baton Rouge.