Stephen Cortes, J.D. Email and Phone Number

Advance one of the fastest growing forms of clean energy in the U.S. through national and state legislative campaigns and communications strategy.CCSA is the national trade association for the community solar industry. We are building the electric grid of the future where every customer has the freedom to support the generation of clean, local solar energy to power their lives. Through legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the support of a diverse coalition — including advocates for competition, clean energy, ratepayers, landowners, farmers, and environmental justice — we enable policies that unlock the potential of distributed energy resources, starting with community solar.

Water scarcity threatens the future of states across the nation, but Goldwater is upending the status quo with our AI-driven Blue Platform. We provide state water agencies with precise, data-powered insights to ensure reliable water supplies. Our platform uses advanced AI and machine learning to optimize demand forecasting and conservation, enabling municipal, agricultural, and industrial users to predict and manage water use in line with their needs and those of critical state water plans.With Goldwater, water conservation isn’t just a plan—it’s a precise roadmap. Our platform empowers decision-makers with tailored, real-time conservation strategies, turning data into action. The result? Smarter planning, cost-effective demand reduction, and the ability to sustain growth even in the face of climate uncertainty.Goldwater is here to redefine water security for the 21st century—because the future of state economies, their people, and businesses depends on it.

Furthered a dynamic, innovative e-mobility leader’s mission to decarbonize transportation in cities. Created change and market value through regulatory and legislative victories across many state and local agencies, winning EV infrastructure grants, strategic communication, thought leadership, digital presence, and stakeholder positioning in all markets throughout the U.S.

Alongside longtime Former State Sen. Kip Averitt, drafted legislation, monitored regulatory climates, and changed policy for clients in the clean energy, transportation, financial services, and healthcare sectors.As Director for the Goldwater Project, raised funds for a multi-million dollar budget and supervised team of 30. The Project maximizes water conservation efforts for cities through large-scale measurement and analysis, and instructs regions under the State Water Plan how to get on pace to meet 50-year goals by working with city governments throughout the state.Also provided business development and legal expertise to the firm.

Primarily served in the office of H+K Strategies U.S. CEO Dan Bartlett (former White House Communications Director) and, along with Mark McKinnon (Showtime's The Circus) and Rich Oppel (Editor-in-Chief of Texas Monthly), provided strategic crisis management and media services for several national clients, including Facebook, Haynes & Boone, Chick-fil-A, and NASDAQ.

I was a founding member and Director of Legislative Policy for the full-service public affairs firm Business-Government-Political (BGP) Strategies. We assisted our clients by evaluating public policy and political risk to foster an understanding of how their organizations would be affected. We then designed and implemented strategies to manage those risks and influence the legislative process.Among many successes, we worked with Entergy Texas to pass legislation that altered its dealings with the Public Utility Commission and saved millions in rate case litigation. We helped neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) become a transportation solution for downtown Austinites, despite entrenched opposition from taxis and other interests. We also carried out grassroots strategy for TV One to become a market option for viewers throughout Southeast Texas.

Worked in-house drafting and reviewing composer, artist, producer and music licensing agreements to clear new media rights for future uses of Sony’s entire catalog of television and film products. Researched third party and internal usage of copyrighted works to assess and defend against possible infringement claims.

Generated media coverage by writing press releases, the congressman’s speeches and talking points. Traveled the 24th District’s 15 cities representing Congressman Marchant at congressional forums, chamber events, speaking engagements, transportation summits, and government relations meetings.

Worked full-time during the 79th Regular Legislative Session tracking and analyzing bills for the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Wrote bi-weekly press releases, formed committee reports and researched and executed legislative initiatives with other Senate and House offices.

Launched the four-month-long “Connect” PR/advertising campaign for the Texas Golf Pass and developed new website featuring campaign motif to increase revenues for the ACS.

Disseminated legislative communication, performed client research and facilitated fund-raising activities for a full-service lobby firm.

Assisted executives with crisis management on the Midwest Independent System Operator account after the Northeast Blackout of 2003 for a global public relations firm.