Cornerstone Alliance is losing its ‘second in command.’ Executive Vice President Christina Frank is leaving the economic development organization for a leadership role at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. Frank will serve as Director of External Engagement for the nationally acclaimed business school.
“In my new role, I will get the opportunity to lead a best-in-class employer and alumni engagement operation focused on graduate business students. My work will ensure Mendoza students secure their best first job upon graduation while building meaningful, lifelong connections with employers and alumni across the globe.”
“This opportunity at Notre Dame is a natural next step for me professionally, It combines my passion for relationship-building with my commitment to supporting people in their professional journeys. I’m honored to help connect talented students with the people and organizations that can shape their future success.”
Frank spoke exclusively with MoodyOnTheMarket.com about her new opportunity and her nearly nine years with Cornerstone Alliance, covering a period when the organization redefined itself to focus on retention of existing business as well as recruitment of new employers.
Frank joined Cornerstone Alliance in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning her Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation in 2021 and gaining national recognition, including being named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America in 2022.
Reflecting on her journey, Frank told us:
“This is a bittersweet time for me. It’s hard for me to put into words how much I have loved serving my community and working alongside so many amazing people. When I started at Cornerstone, I knew very little about economic development. I pretty much grew up here. Cornerstone Alliance has been my home, and a part of my family for almost 10 years.”
Over the years, Frank has played a key role in advancing economic development initiatives throughout Southwest Michigan. She has supported projects, built partnerships, and worked alongside business leaders, elected officials, and community champions to drive sustainable growth. Most of all, Frank said she’ll miss those people. “Some of my favorite memories come from the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working alongside during my time at Cornerstone. Those relationships have meant everything.”
We asked Frank for a ‘point of pride’ during her tenure at Cornerstone:
“Among my proudest accomplishments is the creation of FLEX: Female Leadership Excellence, a now nationally recognized panel-style event that brings together powerhouse female professionals from diverse industries to share their experiences. FLEX is meant to inspire girls and women of all ages, from all walks of life, and in every stage of their career. I could not be more proud of the impact that has been made by this initiative.”
As she turns her attention to Notre Dame’s business school, Frank told us she feels extremely positive about Cornerstone Alliance and its future success:
“I’ve always believed in the mission of Cornerstone Alliance, and that hasn’t changed. I remain confident in the positive direction of the organization. Cornerstone is in a strong position with engaged leadership and a committed network of investors and partners who care deeply about the future of Berrien County. I look forward to cheering on the great things to come and the continued success of this important work.”
Frank will transition out of her role with Cornerstone over the next couple of months. She’ll remain a resident of Michigan’s Great Southwest, commuting to the Notre Dame campus. She and husband Brian Lieberg, an executive with Wightman, recently built a new home and plan to continue to live here and be involved in the community.
by Gayle Olson, MOTM Contributor
