Michael also served as Staff Director at the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittees on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and Highways and Transit. In these roles, he developed and wrote the alternative Surface Transportation bill (STARTER Act, STARTER 2.0 Act), drafted two Pipeline Safety Reauthorization bills, and executed internal and external stakeholder outreach activities.

Prior to joining the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Michael served in Representative Graves’ personal office as a Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. Before entering the public sector, Michael worked in global operations for Morgan Stanley.

Michael grew up in Charlotte, NC and received his bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University. He lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife, Celeste.

Joe Barton from Cornerstone

Joe Barton came to Cornerstone Government Affairs after several years of service as a Legislative Assistant with former Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH). He is a member of the Defense & Intelligence, Homeland Security and Transportation & Infrastructure practice groups at Cornerstone. He guides a range of defense, homeland security and transportation association clients on the development and implementation of legislative, funding and political strategies.

Joe has volunteered with the Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County (Maryland), the Washington Jesuit Academy and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He has been involved in campaigns in Ohio and Pennsylvania at the local, state and federal level.