Cornerstone Alliance has welcomed Amy Zapal as Vice President of Engagement, aimed at strengthening its executive leadership team and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to strategic investor relationships, organizational alignment, and long-term regional impact.
Zapal brings more than 15 years of experience spanning philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community development, with a career defined by building trust, aligning stakeholders, and advancing mission-driven work.
She joins Cornerstone Alliance following her role as Senior Foundation Specialist at Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, where she partnered with donors and community leaders to support complex initiatives with lasting community benefit. Previously, Zapal served as Executive Director of St. Joe Today, leading the organization through periods of growth, expanded partnerships, and increased regional visibility.
In her role as Vice President of Engagement, Zapal will lead Cornerstone Alliance’s investor engagement strategy and oversee the organization’s marketing, communications, and events team. Her work will focus on strengthening investor relationships, ensuring consistent and compelling communication, and connecting partners more directly to the initiatives advancing economic development across Berrien County. She will work closely with the executive leadership team to align engagement efforts with Cornerstone Alliance’s strategic priorities and organizational goals.
“Amy’s leadership experience, strategic mindset, and relationship-driven approach make her an exceptional fit for this role,” said Marla Schneider, President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “She understands how to bring people together around a shared vision and how to translate that alignment into meaningful results. Her addition to our leadership team reflects the direction we are taking as a focused, accountable, and forward-looking organization.”
Zapal said she is energized by the opportunity to lead engagement efforts at a time of momentum for the organization and the region.
“Cornerstone Alliance is doing important work at a critical moment for Berrien County,” said Zapal. “I’m excited to join an organization that is intentionally aligning people, priorities, and investment to support long-term economic vitality. Strong engagement is about more than communication – it’s about trust, clarity, and shared purpose. I look forward to leading a team that connects investors and partners to the work shaping the region’s future.”
Cornerstone says Zapal’s appointment reflects the group’s continued investment in experienced leadership and its commitment to strengthening relationships that support sustainable economic growth throughout Berrien County.
