As Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland continues work on the organization's next multi-year strategic plan, he's setting the stage for advancement by building his in-house team for renewed success. Cleveland is announcing today a new addition and a promotion for his team of economic development professionals.
Cleveland's crew at Cornerstone Alliance announced today that they have named Berrien County native Christina Frank as Director of Investor Relations to lead fundraising activities and the further development of investor relations. Frank will play an integral role in developing fundraising strategies and increasing investment opportunities for Berrien County’s lead, privately-funded economic development organization. She replaces Stacey Stephens in that role, while Stephens is promoted to new duties.
Prior to joining Cornerstone Alliance, Frank was the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass, Inc., where she led the non-profit organization by developing and strengthening its site and community-based programs, and serving more children in the Berrien and Cass communities. Frank, who has spent her entire professional career serving in Berrien County, is in a leadership role with Michigan’s Great Southwest Strategic Leadership Council. She is a former member of the United Way campaign design team and active in many community advancement initiatives.
Regarding her new job, Frank says, “I am thrilled to be part of the Cornerstone Alliance team.” She adds, "I am excited to lead the fundraising efforts, and work with existing and future investors by raising the level of awareness of the importance of economic development and how it improves opportunities for everyone.”
Cornerstone President, Rob Cleveland, says, “For 30 years, Cornerstone Alliance has been a part of many great projects, and the common denominator has always been our investors. Without their consistent support, none of those projects would be possible. We have made tremendous strides in our investor relations efforts and I’m grateful that Chris has chosen to come aboard and take us to new heights. The dedication Chris has shown to the children of Berrien County is evidence of her desire to make Berrien County a better place in which to live and work. Her talents will allow us to broaden our investor base and fundraising strategies.”
Meanwhile Cleveland tells us that Stacey Stephens has been named Director of Project Management. Stephens has been with Cornerstone Alliance since 2013, and prior to that served on the economic development organization’s Board of Directors. She is a lifelong resident of Berrien County and is active with Lakeshore Rotary and Lakeshore Public Schools.
In Stephens’ new role, she will act as a resource to the organization’s economic development partners and clients to develop and advance projects all benefiting the Berrien County community and economy. Stephens will also manage the organization’s portfolio of buildings and sites as well as coordinate services with outside vendors. Her strong financial background will allow Stephens to develop initiatives across all areas of the organization.
Stacey says, “Cornerstone Alliance is an organization that I’ve been passionate about for many years.” She adds, “This new role allows me to play a bigger part in facilitating our impact on the community. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing to help drive positive change throughout Berrien County.”
Greg Vaughn, Cornerstone Alliance Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Business Development, calls it "a natural fit and transition for Stacey,” He notes, “The many projects that our team is working on require the comprehensive management skills, protocol development and analytical thinking that Stacey clearly exhibits. We are delighted to have someone of her caliber and expertise take the lead in this new position.”
Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan's Great Southwest; with specialized business services offered in economically distressed areas.
