Ross Giesinger, a longtime Texas legislative counsel and policy expert, joins firm
Austin, Texas – Cornerstone, a leading, bipartisan government relations and public affairs firm with federal and state reach, today announced the addition of Ross Giesinger as principal in the firm’s Austin, Texas office. Ross brings more than a decade of experience and relationships within the Texas Legislature, serving in positions for both the House and Senate chambers.
Most recently, Ross served as a senior policy advisor to Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, During his time in this role, Ross monitored activity in the House Committees on State Affairs and Elections, and drafted and advanced several major pieces of legislation related to the Texas electric utility market post Winter Storm Uri — including SB 3, the most comprehensive reform of Texas energy regulation in the last 20 years.
Before working for the Speaker Phelan, Ross served as a director for the Texas Senate Committee on Health & Human Services, drafting complex legislation and analyzing agency appropriation requests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he coordinated response efforts with TDEM, the Office of the Texas Governor, HHSC, DSHS and members of the Texas Senate, while also monitoring regulatory actions.
“We believe Ross is an impact hire who will fit well with the team culture we have built in Texas,” Managing Director Campbell Kaufman said. “With so many changing dynamics in Texas politics, it is great to have someone who has worked in the House and Senate, and who has significant subject matter expertise.”
A lawyer with a degree from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Ross started his career at the Texas Legislative Counsel, eventually moving on to serve as general counsel and legislative director for the office of State Senator Lois Kolkhorst.
Ross joins the well-established Cornerstone Texas team that includes Martin Hubert, Anne Mazuca, Craig Holzheauser, Steve Holzheauser, Justin Jordan, Tim Schauer, Tony Essalih and Tyler Nelson.
“I am excited to deploy the knowledge and skills I have developed during my time with the Texas Senate and House of Representatives to build on Cornerstone’s outstanding reputation of client services and success,” Ross said. “While I am somewhat saddened to exit state service after 11 years, I look forward to contributing to the development and prosperity of our state in my new role. Cornerstone’s bipartisan, collaborative approach is perfectly suited to help clients succeed in Texas and across the nation.”