Cornerstone Research Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone Research has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and human resources.

Driven by rigorous analysis, Cornerstone Research is dedicated to providing unparalleled expertise in economic and financial consulting, supporting clients through complex litigation and strategic business challenges with data-driven insights.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone Research

  • Chief Executive Officer - Yalonda Smith
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Harold Schlatter
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kevin Taylor
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gregory Negus
  • President - John Friesen
  • Owner and President and General Manager of Operations - Allen Velasquez
  • Chief Information Officer - Craig Little
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jennifer Dolan
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Hanna Beeler
  • Yalonda Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Yalonda Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Research, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. Smith guides the company's expansion into new markets and service areas, ensuring alignment with the core mission of providing expert economic and financial consulting. This leadership involves fostering a culture of intellectual rigor and client-centric service delivery across all practice groups. Smith oversees the integration of advanced analytical methodologies into client engagements, driving innovation in how complex disputes and business decisions are addressed. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to cultivating key client relationships and ensuring the firm's continued prominence in the litigation and consulting landscape. By championing best practices in research and analysis, Yalonda Smith solidifies Cornerstone Research's reputation for delivering impactful, data-driven solutions.

    Harold Schlatter - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Harold Schlatter, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Research, established the firm with a commitment to rigorous economic and financial analysis. Schlatter continues to shape the firm's strategic direction, focusing on maintaining its position as a leader in complex litigation and consulting. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's role involves mentoring senior staff and ensuring the perpetuation of the firm's core values and analytical excellence. Schlatter's deep understanding of economic principles informs the firm's approach to high-stakes cases, guiding the development of innovative solutions for clients. This leadership ensures that Cornerstone Research consistently delivers exceptional value and insight. By upholding the founding principles, Harold Schlatter drives the firm's enduring success and its reputation for integrity and expertise.

    Kevin Taylor - Chief Financial Officer

    Kevin Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Research, oversees all financial planning, management, and reporting for the firm. Taylor ensures robust fiscal health and strategic resource allocation to support the company's growth objectives and operational demands. This role involves managing budgets, financial forecasting, and optimizing financial performance across all departments. The Chief Financial Officer directs treasury operations, risk management, and investor relations, maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions. By implementing rigorous financial controls and driving efficiency, Kevin Taylor safeguards the firm's assets and enhances profitability. Taylor's financial acumen is critical to sustaining Cornerstone Research's long-term stability and its capacity for significant client investments.

    Gregory Negus - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregory Negus, the Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Research, manages the firm's day-to-day operational activities and ensures seamless service delivery. Negus optimizes internal processes and resource utilization to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction across all engagements. This leadership involves overseeing administrative functions, project management support, and the effective deployment of consulting teams. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives to streamline workflows, improve operational scalability, and maintain the high standards of quality Cornerstone Research is known for. By focusing on operational excellence, Gregory Negus directly supports the firm's ability to handle complex, high-volume projects. Negus's strategic oversight ensures that the firm's operational framework consistently supports its consulting expertise.
    Gregory Negus

    John Friesen - President

    John Friesen, the President at Cornerstone Research, plays a pivotal role in guiding the firm's strategic growth and operational effectiveness. Friesen collaborates with executive leadership to advance the company's mission of providing expert economic and financial consulting services. This position involves overseeing key business units and ensuring the seamless integration of services across different practice areas. The President drives initiatives aimed at enhancing client value and expanding the firm's market reach. By fostering strong internal collaboration and client relationships, John Friesen contributes significantly to Cornerstone Research's sustained success. Friesen's leadership ensures that the firm consistently meets the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

    Allen Velasquez - Owner and President and General Manager of Operations

    Allen Velasquez, the Owner and President and General Manager of Operations at Cornerstone Research, directs the comprehensive operational framework and strategic business development. Velasquez oversees all facets of the company's operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and alignment with the firm's core consulting objectives. This multifaceted role involves managing resources, optimizing workflows, and driving initiatives that enhance service delivery and client satisfaction. The Owner and President and General Manager of Operations is responsible for the overall performance and strategic direction of the firm, particularly concerning its operational capabilities. By maintaining rigorous oversight, Allen Velasquez ensures that Cornerstone Research consistently delivers exceptional value and maintains its leadership position in the market. Velasquez's leadership guarantees the firm's operational resilience and its capacity for sustained growth.

    Craig Little - Chief Information Officer

    Craig Little, the Chief Information Officer at Cornerstone Research, architects and manages the firm's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Little ensures that advanced technological solutions support the firm's core consulting services, enabling sophisticated data analysis and secure client collaboration. This role involves overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge software and hardware to enhance research capabilities and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer drives initiatives related to data security, IT governance, and the adoption of new digital tools that empower consultants. By optimizing the firm's technological resources, Craig Little directly contributes to the speed and accuracy of client deliverables. Little's leadership ensures that Cornerstone Research remains at the forefront of technological innovation within the consulting sector.
    Craig Little

    Jennifer Dolan - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jennifer Dolan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cornerstone Research, directs the firm's global marketing and communications strategies. Dolan enhances the firm's brand visibility and market positioning, articulating the value of Cornerstone Research's specialized economic and financial consulting services. This leadership involves developing targeted campaigns that reach key audiences within the legal and business communities. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees market research, content development, and digital outreach initiatives to support business development efforts. By crafting compelling narratives around the firm's expertise, Jennifer Dolan strengthens client engagement and attracts new opportunities. Dolan's strategic approach ensures that Cornerstone Research's unique capabilities are effectively communicated to a broad spectrum of potential clients.

    Hanna Beeler - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Hanna Beeler, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cornerstone Research, leads the strategic development and execution of all human capital initiatives. Beeler cultivates a high-performance culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent in economic and financial consulting. This role encompasses talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and organizational development. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR policies and programs align with the firm's business objectives and foster an environment of collaboration and professional growth. By championing employee well-being and career advancement, Hanna Beeler strengthens the firm's most valuable asset: its people. Beeler's leadership is integral to maintaining Cornerstone Research's reputation as an employer of choice.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornerstone Research Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornerstone Research?
    Cornerstone Research is led by Yalonda Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Harold Schlatter (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Kevin Taylor (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cornerstone Research’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornerstone Research includes leaders such as Yalonda Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Harold Schlatter (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Kevin Taylor (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone Research have?
    Cornerstone Research has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cornerstone Research’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cornerstone Research includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.