Columbia’s Cornerstone Government Affairs Enhances Team with Mark Harmon’s Experience

Columbia Welcomes New Addition to Cornerstone Government Affairs Team

Columbia, SC – Exciting news is buzzing in the capital city as Cornerstone Government Affairs, a well-respected bipartisan consulting firm, has just added a new name to its South Carolina roster! Meet Mark Harmon, who has stepped into the role of principal in the Columbia office and is set to bring over 20 years of valuable experience in government affairs to the table.

Mark’s Impressive Background

Before joining Cornerstone, Harmon flexed his lobbying muscles at The Harmon Consulting Group LLC, where he represented a mix of clients before various state government branches. His rich history in public policy and business lobbying has made him a formidable player in the field. Prior to heaving his expertise into consulting, Harmon was the executive director of the American Petroleum Institute of South Carolina, striving to advocate for the oil and gas industry on both state and federal stages.

In his previous role, Harmon was not only about policy; he was on the front lines during crises like hurricanes, making sure that essential oil and gas products reached high-demand areas when they were needed most. That’s right—he was coordinating with state agencies to handle disasters, which shows how serious this job can get!

Team Spirit at Cornerstone

Speaking on the occasion, Campbell Kaufman, President of Cornerstone, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to our South Carolina team. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will be instrumental as we continue to expand our business and service our clients in Columbia.” This is a big boost for the firm, which is already making waves since it launched its presence in South Carolina back in August 2024.

Harmon isn’t just about business, though; he believes in giving back. He’s built solid relationships with several Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the area to promote STEM opportunities in the oil and gas sector, nurturing future talent in a field that needs it.

Atoning for the Past

Taking a stroll down memory lane, it seems Harmon has extensive experience working for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce as well. Serving as the vice president of government affairs and public policy, he led efforts that put the state’s business community in the spotlight and shaped public policy that impacted local businesses. Can you imagine the challenges and strategies involved in such a role?

And before that, he played a key role as the executive director of the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus, where he liaised between senators and kept all parties aligned on interests. That experience likely prepared him well for running the day-to-day operations and ensuring effective policy navigation.

What’s Next for Cornerstone?

So, what’s next for this dynamic duo in Columbia? With Harmon onboard, there’s a hopeful tone in the air about expanding services and bringing new opportunities to clients. Harmon expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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.”

As Columbia’s business ecosystem continues to grow and adapt, having professionals like Harmon in key positions will undoubtedly help shape a brighter future for the region.