NASHVILLE - Daniel Culbreath, a former top aide to state House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, has joined the Stones River Group, a public affairs and lobbying firm headed by Mark Cate, former chief of staff to Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.
"Daniel possesses exceptional knowledge and perspective on the inner-workings of the Tennessee General Assembly," Cate said in a news release. "By combining that insight with his extensive relationships at Legislative Plaza, Daniel can provide invaluable assistance to our clients and help them participate in the legislative process with confidence. He is a terrific addition to our company."
Culbreath, who is now a principal at the Stones River Group, served five years as McCormick's chief of staff and senior policy advisor. He worked directly with House leadership and various state agencies on major public policy initiatives, including the Tennessee Promise and FOCUS Act.
Earlier this month, McCormick announced he would not seek a fourth term as House majority leader in the GOP-controlled lower chamber. In the Stones River Group's news release, McCormick put in a plug for his former aide.
"Daniel excels at taking on complex issues and difficult tasks with integrity," McCormick said. "He builds consensus and finds solutions all while maintaining relationships. His advice and counsel to leadership have been indispensable, and we're all grateful for his service."
Culbreath, meanwhile, was quoted saying he is "excited to join Stones River Group. "The company has a deep understanding of the space where government and the private sector meet. I'm looking forward to working for our clients and continuing my relationships in the legislature."
Before working at the Tennessee General Assembly, Culbreath was a political appointee of President George W. Bush at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington.
"By bringing Daniel to Stones River Group, we can better serve the expanding needs of our clients," Cate said. "We are growing, and our goal is always to offer holistic, full-service public affairs consulting. We are excited to add Daniel's strategic expertise to the team.
Culbreath is just the latest former top Republican state government staffer to join Stones River Group.
The list includes Jeremy Harrell, who worked for Haslam and served as the governor's 2014 campaign manager. Another principal is Clint Brewer, who served as Haslam's commissioner for communications and marketing at the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development.
Others include Alexandra Sollberger, a former Republican congressional staffer in Washington and Stephen Sosano, a co-founder and executive director of a statewide business advocacy organization where he spearheaded the successful "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution. Associate Jennifer Triplett International Marketing Specialist at Radio Systems Corporation, launching complex products in global markets.
