Cory C. Horton

Vice President, Public Affairs Strategies Group Washington, DC

Summary

As vice president of public affairs, Cory draws upon his in-depth knowledge of legislative and public affairs processes to assist clients in both the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, he has drafted bills, advocated for key legislative amendments, and fostered positive bipartisan relationships with many Members of Congress, political entities, civil rights organizations, and advocacy groups.

Prior to joining Taft, Cory was director of federal governmental affairs for a Fortune 500 integrated energy company. In this role, he led policy development and advocacy before the White House, U.S. Congress, and federal governmental agencies. He also managed engagement with House Democrats and represented the firm as their primary liaison to several trade associations and congressional committees.

Earlier in his career, Cory served concurrently in the office of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) and on the Committee on Homeland Security. He assisted local officials in securing funding for a wide variety of state, county, and city infrastructure projects, as well as for non-profit community organizations, and institutions of higher learning. Additionally, he served as the lead staff negotiator for the Congressional Black Caucus’ taskforce on Energy, Environment, and Agriculture during deliberation of The Agriculture Act of 2014. As a result, the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center was formed at Alcorn State University and currently stands as the only federally funded entity solely devoted to developing policy that protects and promotes the interest of minorities, women, and veterans in agriculture.

Committed to service in every capacity, Cory is an active member of several organizations including the American Association of Black in Energy (AABE), Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21st Century Council, Protect Our Vote PAC, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 2019, he co-founded Young Black Lobbyists (YBL), which provides a convening space for Black advocacy professionals under 40 years-old to have a free-flowing exchange of ideas and contacts. Cory was subsequently selected by his YBL peers as the first chairperson of the organization.

He also dedicates time to give back and regularly volunteers with Food & Friends, an organization that prepares and delivers nutritionally tailored meals directly to the homes of people battling cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses that limit their ability to provide nourishment for themselves. Out of all his many accomplishments, Cory is most proud of the T.H.I.N. College of Business Scholarship Endowment he helped to establish in 2015 at his alma mater, The University of Southern Mississippi. With a joint pledge, he and three of his college classmates created a full tuition scholarship that promotes four principles – Tradition, Honor, Integrity, and Nobility – and aims to develop students from Mississippi into leaders who will drive economic, civic, and social advancements.

Cory is not licensed to practice law in any state and does not provide legal services.

All Service Areas

Education

  • The University of Southern Mississippi (2007)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Black in Energy (AABE)

    Member

  • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

    Member, Corporate Advisory Council

  • Congressional Black Caucus Policy Institute

    Member, 21st Century Council

  • Protect Our Vote PAC

    Co-Chair

  • Young Black Lobbyists

    Chair

Community Involvement

  • Food & Friends

    Volunteer