Joe Sims joined Cornerstone with a wealth of experience in public and government affairs, particularly working with the energy industry in Mississippi. Prior to forming his firm, Pinnacle Consulting in 2007, he managed the US Oil and Gas Association, Mississippi/Alabama Division, in the state. His experience includes providing public and government affairs representation for the some of the largest energy companies in the nation.

Joe works in a bipartisan manner to represent his clients' interests. He has demonstrated his ability time and time again to build relationships and alliances that enable his clients to work effectively in state and local government, and to accomplish their business development goals. He has been involved in regulatory and legislative successes that have facilitated significant economic and energy development.

In addition to his state experience and contacts, he maintains very good working relationships with the members and staff of the Mississippi congressional delegation.

Joe was named to Mississippi's Top 50 Most Influential 2017 list recognizing the 50 most influential people in the state across the ranks of elected and appointed officials, economic development professionals, business, media, and government affairs.

He previously served as legislative chairman for Mississippians for Economic Progress (MFEP) during the historic 2002 Mississippi special session on tort reform. MFEP is a coalition of business, industry, and medical interests advocating civil justice reform.

Joe and his wife have three children, and four grandchildren.

20+ years

1) Top 40 Under 40 in Mississippi
2) Top 50 Businesswomen in Mississippi
3) Pollie Award Winner
4) Mississippi Human Trafficking Council: Policy & Legislative Subcommittee
5) EPA Fellow while working on doctorate degree

1) Mississippi Attorney General's Office
2) Mississippi Department of Public Safety
3) Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi
4) Mississippi Gaming Commission

Doctoral work in public policy administration greatly enhances her ability to identify, define, and expand issues important to her clients. She was an EPA Fellow while completing her doctoral level course work. Echols develops a broad coalition of support, sometimes going
against conventional wisdom and status quo, to achieve a successful end result. She has a keen ability for trouble shooting an issue and predicting potential problems and anticipating their positive solutions. She has a proven ability to rapidly assess a situation, provide a workable plan of action, and develop pockets of support to achieve the desired outcome.

Remember... When results matter, you need The Echols Group!