Will's Bio
Will Smith, a 23-year veteran of Capitol Hill, brings to Cornerstone a deep knowledge and expertise in the federal appropriations and budget process. Prior to joining the firm in March 2017, Will served as the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations staff director. In this role, Will supervised and organized all aspects of Committee operations, including personnel, financial, oversight, communications and outreach – serving as the principal strategic and political advisor to Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY). During his time on the Committee, he managed a robust agenda, to include over 200 investigations, over 600 budget and oversight hearings, and helped shepherd nearly 150 appropriations bills across the House floor.Will, a native of Beattyville, Kentucky started his career in Washington, DC in 1994 working for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in a variety of capacities, including as professional staff on the Senate Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
Will joined Congressman Rogers’ staff in February of 1998 as a senior legislative assistant and was promoted to legislative director one year later. He became Rogers’ chief of staff in March of 2002 and served in that capacity until joining the Chairman on the Appropriations Committee in 2011.
Will was prominently featured in some of Capitol Hill’s leading news outlets as a top congressional staffer in his field, including Roll Call’s Fabulous 50, and The Hill’s 100 People to Watch. Politico and CQ Weekly have also featured profiles of Will in their publications.
Will received his bachelor’s degree in history from Emory University. He resides in Arlington, VA with his wife Kim, and their two young children.