Columbia Welcomes Government Affairs Pro Mark Harmon to Cornerstone
Columbia, SC – Big news in the Southern state! Cornerstone Government Affairs, a well-respected consulting firm that’s employee-owned and prides itself on a bipartisan approach, is expanding its Columbia office with the addition of the seasoned pro, Mark Harmon. Bringing over 20 years of experience in government affairs, Harmon is no stranger to public policy and lobbying, and his impressive resume is sure to boost Cornerstone’s offerings in the region.
A Wealth of Experience
Before his new adventure with Cornerstone, Harmon made waves as the principal at The Harmon Consulting Group LLC, where he provided consulting and lobbying services aimed at a variety of clients dealing with the legislative and executive branches of the South Carolina government. This role allowed him to foster deep relationships and advocate for the needs of his clients effectively.
But let’s backtrack a bit. Prior to his consulting days, Harmon was a key player at Maynard Nexsen, PC, formerly known as Nexsen Pruet, LLC. There, he served as a government affairs advisor, guiding clients through the often murky waters of state-level lobbying and providing invaluable consulting services.
Champion for Oil and Gas
One of Harmon’s standout roles was serving as the executive director of the American Petroleum Institute of South Carolina. In this position, he took on the mighty task of advocating for the oil and natural gas industry on both the state and federal levels. Harmon was particularly notable for his swift coordination with state agencies during hurricanes and natural disasters, ensuring that essential products reached high-demand areas when they were needed the most.
Harmon was not just fighting for businesses; he also championed education by connecting with South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote STEM opportunities in the oil and gas sector. It’s all about creating pathways and improving access to education—quite an admirable mission!
Building Business in the Carolinas
Before his tenure at the American Petroleum Institute, Harmon was shaping policies as the vice president of government affairs and public policy for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. During this stint, he represented the state’s vibrant business community while leading a team dedicated to developing the Chamber’s public policy agenda and outreach efforts.
The executive director of the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus is another feather in Harmon’s cap. His leadership here involved organizing campaigns, ensuring ethics compliance, and acting as a vital link between senators and their supporters. Thanks to his efforts, the Caucus increased its seats and expanded its majority during his time.
Excited to Join the Team
Harmon recently expressed his enthusiasm about joining Cornerstone by 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 and working alongside these dedicated professionals to ensure successful outcomes for our clients.” Sounds like he’s ready to roll!
The Future Looks Bright
With Harmon now on board, Cornerstone is poised for growth and innovation in South Carolina. He joins Daniel Boan, who kicked off the firm’s operations in the state earlier this year. Together, they’re set to strengthen relationships and enhance the firm’s reputation in Columbia.
Harmon is a proud graduate of Clemson University, so it’s clear he has deep roots in the area. Columbia, get ready for a wave of energizing changes as this talented team works to elevate business and community engagement across South Carolina!
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
