Our Story

At Cornerstone, we guide organizations through the world’s most complex challenges with strategic advisory services built on decades of proven, real-world international experience.

Our expertise spans international government relations, defense trade, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and AI-driven solutions—delivering insight and impact at the critical intersection of policy, technology, and global security.

We equip clients to anticipate change, act decisively, and succeed in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

About Cornerstone Global’s founder, Brent McConnell

Executive leader with 35 years of experience in U.S. and global security, specializing in cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence policy, critical infrastructure protection, defense trade, capacity building, and defense technology policy

Directed high-stakes negotiations with global powers including China, India, and Israel; managed multimillion-dollar operations and multibillion-dollar programs; forged strategic partnerships across NATO, the EU, ASEAN, and with 25 nations.

  • Deep expertise in ITAR, EAR, NDPC Operations, Security Assistance, Capacity Building and U.S. global strategy

  • Senior advisor to the Ukrainian Government on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection during wartime operations.

  • Senior DoD member on four U.S. government delegations to the People’s Republic of China; led complex negotiations on technology transfer with Chinese industrial and government entities.

  • Pentagon Liaison to the White House and National Security Council.

  • Pentagon Liaison to U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff on international technology security issues.

  • International negotiator, program developer, and manager. Led long-term relationship-building efforts with government, military, and industry officials from Israel, India, Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, France, the UK, Finland, UAE, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Sweden, NATO, and the EU—focused on policies, transfer, and use of advanced defense technologies.  

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

  • Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government — Executive Management Program

  • University of Virginia, Darden School of Business — Executive Leadership Program

  • Dallas Theological Seminary — MA, Theology

  • George Washington University — MA, Organizational Leadership

  • University of Maryland — BS, Government & Politics

  • Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea — Advanced Korean and Chinese Language

Academic Appointments

  • Adjunct Professor, Advanced Asian Studies, U.S. State Department Foreign Service Institute

  • Adjunct Professor, Advanced Technology Security, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  • Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity and AI, Marshall Center for European Studies

Keynote Speaking Engagements

  • Cybersecurity and AI, Korea Internet Security Agency Conference

  • Cybersecurity, CrowdStrike Cyber Conference

  • Critical Infrastructure Sector Resilience, European Program for Cyber Studies

  • Defense Trade, Northrop Grumman Annual Corporate Conference

  • Geopolitics, Virginia Disabled Veteran’s Cohort