Cornerstone Research Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone Research has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, market positioning, talent management, information technology, general management, and corporate leadership.

Driven by a commitment to rigorous economic analysis, Cornerstone Research delivers expert financial and litigation consulting services to clients navigating complex regulatory and commercial challenges across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone Research

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

    Yalonda Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Research, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives. Smith oversees the integration of economic and financial consulting services to ensure the firm maintains a competitive edge in high-stakes litigation support. By aligning internal resources with evolving client needs, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of analytical excellence and professional integrity. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine corporate objectives and expand the firm's footprint across North American markets. Yalonda Smith drives the execution of complex consulting projects, ensuring that every engagement meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Through the management of senior practice leaders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's reputation as a premier advisor for legal and corporate entities facing significant economic scrutiny.

    Kevin Taylor - Chief Financial Officer

    Kevin Taylor, the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Research, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. Taylor oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and tax compliance functions to support the firm's consulting operations. By monitoring revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the liquidity necessary for sustained growth in the competitive litigation consulting sector. This role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to evaluate investment opportunities and mitigate financial risks associated with global market fluctuations. Kevin Taylor drives the development of robust financial models that inform long-term business planning and resource distribution. Through meticulous oversight of the firm's balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer provides the stability required for the firm to deliver high-quality economic analysis to clients worldwide.

    Gregory Negus - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregory Negus, the Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Research, architects the firm's internal infrastructure and daily business processes. Negus oversees the efficiency of consulting workflows, ensuring that project teams possess the necessary tools and support to deliver complex economic analysis. By streamlining administrative functions and optimizing resource utilization, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the firm's capacity to handle large-scale litigation matters. This leadership role involves coordinating across departments to maintain operational excellence and service consistency. Gregory Negus drives the implementation of scalable systems that support the firm's expansion into new practice areas and geographic regions. Through the continuous improvement of internal protocols, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm remains agile and responsive to the demanding requirements of legal counsel and corporate clients.
    Gregory Negus

    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 firm's foundational business activities and operational management. Velasquez oversees the execution of core consulting services, ensuring that the firm's economic and financial analysis meets the specific needs of legal and corporate clients. By managing the day-to-day operations, the Owner and President and General Manager of Operations maintains the firm's commitment to quality and efficiency. This role involves balancing the firm's long-term ownership objectives with the immediate demands of complex litigation projects. Allen Velasquez drives the development of operational policies that support the firm's growth and market stability. Through the oversight of key business functions, the Owner and President and General Manager of Operations ensures that the firm continues to deliver high-value consulting services across all practice areas.

    John Friesen - President

    John Friesen, the President at Cornerstone Research, directs the firm's strategic initiatives and oversees the performance of various consulting practices. Friesen manages the alignment of the firm's economic and financial expertise with the evolving requirements of the legal industry. By coordinating with senior leadership, the President ensures that the firm's service offerings remain relevant and impactful in complex litigation and regulatory matters. This role involves fostering strong relationships with key clients and industry partners to drive business development. John Friesen drives the implementation of firm-wide policies that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Through the leadership of diverse consulting teams, the President supports the firm's mission to provide rigorous, evidence-based analysis that helps clients navigate significant economic challenges and achieve favorable outcomes in high-stakes legal environments.

    Jennifer Dolan - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jennifer Dolan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cornerstone Research, directs the firm's brand strategy and market outreach initiatives. Dolan oversees the development of thought leadership content, including white papers and industry reports, which highlight the firm's expertise in financial and economic consulting. By managing the firm's public profile and client engagement programs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand remains synonymous with analytical rigor and professional excellence. This role involves coordinating with practice leaders to communicate the firm's value proposition to legal and corporate audiences. Jennifer Dolan drives the execution of targeted marketing campaigns that strengthen the firm's presence in key legal markets. Through the strategic use of digital and traditional channels, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the firm's reach and reinforces its position as a trusted advisor in complex litigation.

    Hanna Beeler - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Hanna Beeler, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cornerstone Research, manages the firm's talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture. Beeler oversees the recruitment of top-tier economists and financial experts to ensure the firm maintains its high standard of analytical consulting. By designing comprehensive training programs and performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters an environment where consultants can thrive and advance their careers. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the firm's broader business goals to support long-term growth. Hanna Beeler drives initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the firm's global operations. Through the cultivation of a high-performance workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm retains the intellectual capital necessary to solve the most challenging economic and financial problems for clients.

    Craig Little - Senior VP & Chief Information Officer

    Craig Little, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Cornerstone Research, architects the firm's technological infrastructure and data security frameworks. Little oversees the implementation of advanced analytical software and secure communication platforms essential for handling sensitive client data in litigation consulting. By managing the firm's IT operations, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer ensures that consultants have reliable access to the computational power required for complex economic modeling. This role involves protecting the firm's digital assets against emerging cyber threats while supporting the integration of new technologies. Craig Little drives the modernization of internal systems to improve data processing speeds and collaborative capabilities. Through the strategic management of the firm's technology stack, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer enables the firm to maintain its competitive advantage in the digital age.
    Craig Little

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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 Kevin Taylor (Chief Financial Officer) and Gregory Negus (Chief Operating 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), Kevin Taylor (Chief Financial Officer), Gregory Negus (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone Research have?
    Cornerstone Research has 8 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, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Owner and President and General Manager of Operations, President.