Changes Include New CFO and Reimagining COO Position
In the past two months, the Cornerstones of Care Executive Leadership Team (ELT) added two new members, and three people have been elevated to new positions.
The restructuring began in July with the hiring of Merideth Rose as the new President and CEO (pictured left). Within the first 45 days of her leadership, Merideth added a new CFO and reimagined the Chief Operating Officer position.
“We have an outstanding and committed executive team to create an inspired environment in providing the best possible care for our children and families,” Merideth says. “Our executive team will ensure we lead with our purpose, execute that purpose through our committed and courageous people, and use our voice in building safer, healthier communities.”
New CFO Jill Beck comes to Cornerstones of Care from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, where she served as Vice President of Finance/Controller since 2018. Prior to that, she was CFO at reStart, and in that position was named CFO of the Year by The Business Journal in 2016. She also served as CFO at El Centro, beginning there in 2010.
“I have a heart and passion for social justice and strengthening communities,” Jill shares. “The most vulnerable people in our community are children who, for whatever reason, have caretakers or families unable to care for them. I love the excellent work Cornerstones of Care does alongside these youth.”
Justin Horton was named Chief Programs and Innovation Officer, a new position at Cornerstones of Care. It reflects the evolution of the former Chief Operating Officer position to now include oversight of our agency's programming, strategic planning, and business development, and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position led by Sarah Scharinger, which will manage all administrative and mission support aspects of the organization.
The new positions reflect internal position changes for Sarah, who came to Cornerstones of Care earlier this year as the Senior Director of Administration, and Justin, who previously served as Executive Director of Missouri Programs and Services. Justin has spent his 19-year professional career working with children and families, and credits his program directors in enhancing Missouri programs including IIS, BIST and Build Trybe. In his new role, he will continue to connect smart, talented, and caring people who dream big, to efficient processes and innovative envisioning, striving to create the best possible outcomes for team members, clients, the organization, and the communities we serve.
“It’s humbling to see to the talent, selflessness, and commitment that is exhibited daily by our team members who go into residences, schools, offices, and dorms to help make their communities safer and healthier. I look forward to helping our teams and our organization continue to thrive and excel in what's possible, from this position as CPIO,” Justin says.
Sarah’s 17 years of experience in human services, primarily in the non-profit sector, include many facets of social services focused on advocating and supporting the needs of the communities those organizations have served. Her skills run from working with grants to quality assurance to community engagement. She has advocated for team members to ensure their clients have the valuable services they need, and our teams can complete their tasks efficiently.
Jamie Stevens joined Cornerstones of Care in July as the Director of Human Resources Operations, and her work was so inspiring that she has been elevated to Chief Human Resources Officer.
Jamie has spent the past 20 years working in the non-profit sector and begins every day prepared to work passionately to serve those who are on the frontline. Jamie stands behind our frontline team and is willing to make their needs a priority, to make their day a little easier, and to know that someone is looking out for them.
“I will emphasize care for our team members, starting with the frontline management through the executive leadership,” Jamie explains. “Our team members need to know that we want, appreciate, and celebrate their talent.”
Completing the ELT, Chad Harris remains Chief Development Officer (CDO). Chad looks forward to these leadership changes coming to fruition, and the positive impact the newly established team will have on the agency’s growth as an organization.