Cornerstone's Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone's has 6 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, executive leadership, operational management, financial oversight, human resources, and administrative governance.

Committed to fostering safe and healthy communities, Cornerstone's delivers trauma-informed care to children and families across Kansas and Missouri to create lasting positive change.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone's

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

    Merideth Rose, the Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone's, directs the overarching mission of providing trauma-informed care to vulnerable populations. Overseeing the strategic vision, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all youth and family support programs align with the long-term goal of fostering safe communities. Merideth Rose manages high-level partnerships across Kansas and Missouri, driving the expansion of family preservation services. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for sustainable growth in schools and community centers. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of service efficacy to ensure that every initiative directly addresses the needs of those affected by trauma. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the nonprofit model. Rose ultimately guarantees that the organization remains a pillar of support for families navigating complex challenges.
    Merideth Rose

    Denise Cross - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Denise Cross, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone's, architects the operational framework for functional family therapy and adoption services. Leading the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of evidence-based practices that define the organization's 150-year legacy. Denise Cross monitors regional performance metrics to ensure that service delivery remains consistent across diverse settings in Kansas and Missouri. By fostering collaboration between clinical departments and community stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the impact of family-centered interventions. This role requires balancing immediate operational demands with the broader mission of creating lasting positive change. Cross executes complex initiatives that expand the reach of foster care programs, ensuring that every child receives necessary support. Through decisive leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the organizational capacity to address trauma on a systemic level.
    Denise Cross

    Jill Beck - Chief Financial Officer

    Jill Beck, the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone's, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation required to sustain trauma-informed care programs. Overseeing the financial strategy, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funding for foster care, adoption, and family preservation services remains stable and transparent. Jill Beck directs the budgeting process, prioritizing investments that maximize the impact of services provided in homes and schools across Kansas and Missouri. By analyzing financial data, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. This leadership role involves reporting to the Board on fiscal performance and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Beck secures the financial foundation necessary for the organization to continue its 150-year mission. Through prudent management of assets, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of critical support services for families navigating the effects of trauma.

    Michael Vietti - Chief of Staff

    Michael Vietti, the Chief of Staff at Cornerstone's, coordinates internal communications and synchronizes the efforts of the executive leadership team. Managing the flow of information, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive adequate attention from all departments. Michael Vietti facilitates cross-functional projects that support the delivery of trauma-informed care throughout the Kansas and Missouri regions. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the organization's youth and family support services. This role involves translating high-level goals into actionable tasks for various teams, ensuring alignment with the mission of fostering healthy communities. Vietti monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing the necessary support to overcome operational hurdles. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on the core objective of providing high-quality care to families in need.

    Jamie Stevens - Chief People Officer

    Jamie Stevens, the Chief People Officer at Cornerstone's, drives the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for delivering high-quality trauma-informed care. Overseeing human resources, the Chief People Officer cultivates a culture of excellence and compassion among staff members working in schools and community centers. Jamie Stevens manages recruitment, training, and retention programs to ensure that the organization attracts professionals dedicated to the mission of supporting families. By implementing performance management systems, the Chief People Officer aligns individual contributions with the broader goals of the nonprofit. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that empowers employees to provide effective functional family therapy. Stevens executes initiatives that prioritize staff well-being, recognizing that a supported workforce is vital for achieving positive outcomes for children. Through strategic human capital management, the Chief People Officer strengthens the organization's ability to serve communities across Kansas and Missouri.
    Jamie Stevens

    Sarah Scharinger - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Sarah Scharinger, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Cornerstone's, directs the infrastructure and operational systems that support the delivery of trauma-informed care. Overseeing administrative functions, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) ensures that facilities and internal processes meet the needs of the organization's diverse service offerings. Sarah Scharinger manages the logistics of providing support in homes, schools, and community centers throughout Kansas and Missouri. By optimizing administrative workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reduces operational friction, allowing clinical teams to focus on family preservation and youth support. This role involves managing vendor relationships and ensuring that all physical and digital assets remain secure and functional. Scharinger executes policies that maintain high standards of service delivery, directly impacting the organization's ability to create lasting positive change. Through rigorous administrative oversight, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides the stable foundation necessary for the nonprofit to fulfill its mission.

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

    Who leads Cornerstone's?
    Cornerstone's is led by Merideth Rose (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Denise Cross (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 Merideth Rose (Chief Executive Officer), Denise Cross (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jill Beck (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone's have?
    Cornerstone's has 6 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief People Officer.