Big Changes in Columbia as Cornerstone Government Affairs Welcomes Mark Harmon as New Principal

Big Changes in Columbia: Cornerstone Government Affairs Welcomes New Principal

Exciting news is making waves in Columbia, South Carolina as Cornerstone Government Affairs, a well-respected bipartisan consulting firm, gears up to strengthen its team! Joining the Columbia office as principal is none other than Mark Harmon, a seasoned veteran in government affairs with a rich history spanning over 20 years. Talk about a powerhouse addition!

A Wealth of Experience

Harmon isn’t just any newcomer; he brings a solid track record in public policy and business lobbying that’s hard to beat! Before stepping into his role at Cornerstone, he was the principal of The Harmon Consulting Group LLC. There, he successfully represented various clients in front of the legislative and executive branches of the South Carolina state government. So, you can see why everyone is buzzing with excitement about his arrival!

A Look at His Impressive Journey

Mark’s journey through the world of government affairs has been nothing short of impressive. He previously served as an executive director for the American Petroleum Institute of South Carolina. In this pivotal role, Harmon was the voice advocating for the oil and natural gas industry at both the state and federal levels. He didn’t just stop there; during hurricanes and natural disasters, he coordinated with state agencies to ensure that oil and gas operators could deliver their essential products to high-demand areas. Not to mention, he also worked diligently to foster strong relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote STEM opportunities in this vital industry.

Early Career Highlights

Prior to his stint at the American Petroleum Institute, Harmon was no stranger to high-stakes advocacy. He held the position of vice president of government affairs and public policy for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Here, he led a talented team in creating the Chamber’s public policy agenda and implementation strategy while managing outreach through social media. His experience doesn’t stop there—earlier, he served as the executive director of the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus, where he was instrumental in organizing campaigns and ensuring representation for all parties involved. It seems Harmon has a knack for making powerful connections!

Looking Ahead: Excitement in the Air!

In a recent statement, Cornerstone’s President Campbell Kaufman expressed great enthusiasm about Harmon joining their South Carolina team. “We are thrilled to welcome Mark,” Kaufman said, pointing out that his extensive experience will be invaluable as they look to grow and serve their Columbia clients.

And what does Harmon have to say about his new role? He expressed his delight, stating, “I’m delighted and honored to join Cornerstone’s growing team in South Carolina. I look forward to contributing my skills and expertise to the firm and working alongside these dedicated professionals to ensure successful outcomes for our clients.” It sounds like a match made in heaven!

Partnering with Local Talent

Mark Harmon isn’t entering this journey alone. He joins fellow team member Daniel Boan, who had previously launched Cornerstone’s presence in South Carolina just a few months ago in August 2024. The two together create a formidable pair that promises to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the table.

Grounded in Education

As an interesting note, Harmon earned his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, which adds a nice local touch to his impressive credentials. With him on board, the Columbia office is poised for growth and success!

Stay tuned as Cornerstone Government Affairs, alongside their new principal, embarks on this exciting chapter. One thing is for sure; great things are on the horizon for the Columbia business community!