About ACMA

The American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA) is a nonprofit association administered by Cornerstone Government Affairs. ACMA is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of the U.S. critical minerals sector, with a particular focus on processing and recycling. This is about batteries and so much more. The policy and political conversations regarding our national supply chains are complex. We need to advance policies today that are designed to ensure the strategic long-term growth of this sector for tomorrow and years to come. Strategic and sustainable domestic policy coupled with international partnerships and agreements with allies are key to long-term success.

ACMA’s leadership and team members have a strong understanding of the policies and programs most impactful to the sector. Coupled with political expertise and relationships with key decisionmakers that are shaping the policy environment for a more secure and independent critical minerals supply chain, ACMA has rapidly positioned itself as leading voice of advocacy across the federal government. ACMA’s Advocacy Work is guided by our Policy Areas and a keen desire to ensure that Washington D.C. is putting in place policies and programs that will accelerate the growth of a more secure and independent critical minerals supply chain supportive of numerous US economic sectors.

Member Benefits

Educational Advocacy and Briefing Materials

Federal Government Relations

Legislative Tracking and Analysis

Monitoring & Strategic Guidance on Grant & Funding Opportunities

Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

Meet the Team

ACMA's team of dedicated professionals are responsible for day-to-day interaction and communication to provide the Association and its members with individualized attention on a regular basis. As the Association needs the strengths and advantages only a large firm can offer, the connections and resources of all professionals at Cornerstone Government Affairs stand available to ACMA.

Experienced advisor and attorney with expertise in political and legislative strategy, coalition building and federal policy focused on energy, environment and natural resources

Sarah Venuto

Formerly served as a legislative assistant for then Minority Leader, and former Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH). Joe is now focused on serving clients in the defense, homeland security, foreign affairs, the judiciary and veterans’ affairs issues

Joe Barton

Provides clients across multiple industries with research, analysis, strategic policy and management guidance, communications support and advice on sustainability-related issues

Brent Greenfield

Serves as a marketing coordinator supporting content and design production

Ayana Freeman

Serves as a senior associate focused primarily on assisting clients in the energy sector

Gracen Pace

Brings tax policy expertise from his tenure at the House Ways and Means Committee to serve a variety of multinational, domestic and non-profit clients

John Sandell

Serves as an associate focused on federal policy analysis and research across a variety of sectors

Grant Shephard

Advises a broad array of non-profit, corporate and tribal entities on a wide range of issues before the federal government including education, health care, aviation, rail, tax, technology, international relations, Native American, budget and appropriations matters

Mike Smith

Provided strategic communications counsel with an expertise in crisis, policy, executive, internal, financial, regulatory and stakeholder communications

Lauren Tomlinson

Former Professional Staff Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs