Geoff Gonella

Chief Executive Officer
Washington, DC

Geoff Gonella

Chief Executive Officer
Washington, DC

Quick Facts

  • Over 30 years of management experience and specialized knowledge in government relations and public affairs communications
  • Leads day to day operations of firm’s nearly 200 professionals across four business lines and 14 offices
  • Native Washingtonian; highly active in D.C. and Maryland communities

Geoff's Bio

Geoff Gonella brings over 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 chief executive officer. 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 14 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 and vice chair 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: Catholic Charities; 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 and 2023 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Community Leadership from SOAR!

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.