Geoff Gonella

Geoff Gonella brings 30 years of management experience and specialized knowledge in the development and implementation of campaign strategies in the fields of government relations and public affairs communications. Geoff, one of the organization’s founding members, serves as the firm’s president and managing director. In this capacity, he manages the day-to-day operations of the business and oversees all aspects of the company’s four business lines and 13 offices.

Prior to launching Cornerstone, Geoff spent 10 years at the largest independent government relations firm in Washington, D.C.—focusing on government relations, communications, business development and marketing as well as grassroots organizing and political consulting. As senior vice president, Geoff was responsible for the design, implementation, and management of all facets of the company’s business development and marketing activities, in addition to managing a staff of senior professionals and consultants. During this time, he directed several consecutive years of record growth and expansion and participated on the firm’s management team.

Geoff is very active in the community. He currently is an appointed member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and is a member of the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County, MD (CBN-MC) Board of Directors. He is a past Board Chair for the University of Maryland College Park Foundation; Washington Jesuit Academy; Kids Voting USA; and Mater Dei School. He is also a past Board member for the following organizations: First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C.; Suburban Hospital Healthcare System Foundation; Maryland State Golf Association; and the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Geoff was also the recipient of the 2017 CBN-MC Businessperson of the Year.

Geoff has also been involved in politics at the local, state and federal levels, including extensive work throughout the state of Maryland and specifically in Montgomery County, MD.

Geoff, a native Washingtonian, holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland.