Cornerstone's Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone's has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, people operations, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to healing, Cornerstone's partners with children and families to foster safe and healthy communities through trauma-informed care, creating lasting positive change across Kansas and Missouri.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone's

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Denise Cross
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Merideth Rose
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jill Beck
  • Chief People Officer - Jamie Stevens
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Sarah Scharinger
  • Denise Cross - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise Cross, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone's, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the nonprofit's mission to partner with children and families, fostering safe and healthy communities through trauma-informed care. Denise Cross oversees the delivery of critical services, including youth and family support, family preservation, functional family therapy, and foster care and adoption services. With a focus on creating lasting positive change for those affected by trauma, this executive ensures the organization's extensive experience, spanning over 150 years, translates into impactful support across Kansas and Missouri. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to maintaining strong community partnerships and driving innovation in trauma-informed approaches, ensuring the continued growth and effectiveness of Cornerstone's programs in homes, schools, and community centers.
    Denise Cross

    Merideth Rose - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Merideth Rose, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone's, spearheads the strategic vision and comprehensive management of the organization's extensive operations. This executive guides the nonprofit's core mission: partnering with children and families to cultivate safe and healthy communities through trauma-informed care. Merideth Rose directs the implementation of a wide array of services, encompassing youth and family support, family preservation initiatives, functional family therapy, and crucial foster care and adoption programs. The leadership of Merideth Rose ensures that Cornerstone's legacy of over 150 years of experience translates into tangible, positive change for individuals impacted by trauma across Kansas and Missouri. This role is pivotal in maintaining the organization's commitment to excellence in service delivery within homes, schools, and community settings, driving forward the impact of trauma-informed care.
    Merideth Rose

    Jill Beck - Chief Financial Officer

    Jill Beck, the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone's, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This executive oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring the fiscal sustainability of Cornerstone's trauma-informed care services. Jill Beck's responsibilities extend to managing financial resources allocated for youth and family support, family preservation, functional family therapy, and foster care and adoption programs across Kansas and Missouri. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in resource allocation, optimizing financial performance to maximize the impact of services provided in homes, schools, and community centers. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Jill Beck supports the organization's long-term mission of fostering safe and healthy communities for children and families affected by trauma.

    Jamie Stevens - Chief People Officer

    Jamie Stevens, the Chief People Officer at Cornerstone's, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. This executive is responsible for cultivating a supportive and effective work environment that aligns with the organization's trauma-informed care mission. Jamie Stevens oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, professional development, and compensation and benefits programs, ensuring Cornerstone's team is equipped to deliver exceptional services. The Chief People Officer plays a vital role in fostering a culture of care and resilience among staff who support children and families across Kansas and Missouri. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Jamie Stevens directly contributes to the quality and consistency of services such as youth and family support, family preservation, functional family therapy, and foster care and adoption programs.
    Jamie Stevens

    Sarah Scharinger - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Sarah Scharinger, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Cornerstone's, oversees the essential operational infrastructure that supports the organization's mission. This executive manages key administrative functions, including IT, facilities, and general operations, ensuring seamless service delivery across all programs. Sarah Scharinger's purview encompasses optimizing internal processes to enhance the effectiveness of trauma-informed care services for children and families throughout Kansas and Missouri. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) plays a crucial part in maintaining the operational efficiency required for programs like youth and family support, family preservation, functional family therapy, and foster care and adoption services. By ensuring robust administrative support, Sarah Scharinger enables Cornerstone's staff to focus on their core mission of fostering safe and healthy communities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornerstone's Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornerstone's?
    Cornerstone's is led by Denise Cross (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Merideth Rose (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jill Beck (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cornerstone's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornerstone's includes leaders such as Denise Cross (President & Chief Executive Officer), Merideth Rose (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jill Beck (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone's have?
    Cornerstone's has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cornerstone's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cornerstone's includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).