Cornerstones CEO reflects on decades of service

by Ellyn Wexler, staff writer

Photo courtesy of Cornerstones

After nearly 25 years leading one of the region’s most visible human services organizations, Cornerstones CEO Kerrie Wilson is stepping away—leaving behind an agency that has grown dramatically in reach, partnerships and impact.

When Wilson became CEO in 2001, Cornerstones had a $3 million budget and focused largely on emergency services such as shelter, childcare and a small food pantry. Today, the nonprofit serves about 26,000 people annually with a budget exceeding $21 million, including its housing affiliate. Its work now includes affordable housing development, food rescue, homelessness prevention and regional partnerships across Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

“The biggest shift has been focusing upstream,” Wilson said. “Not just responding to crisis, but addressing the root causes—housing affordability, access to services and community leadership.”

Wilson recalls early milestones, including helping establish the Herndon Official Worker Center in 2006, a day-labor site created with residents, employers and local leaders. Though the center later closed, she says it reinforced her belief that progress comes from finding common ground.

Other milestones followed: Fairfax County’s 10-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, the launch of Connections for Hope to improve access to services, Opportunity Neighborhoods, which empowers parents and residents as community leaders, and most recently, the FREE from Hunger Center, a regional food rescue initiative that has redistributed more than 1 million pounds of food.

Wilson’s tenure also included major challenges. During the 2008 housing market collapse,

the agency addressed a wave of foreclosures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cornerstones opened a second emergency shelter and expanded food distribution. “Our staff showed extraordinary resilience and creativity,” she said.

Rising housing costs and widening income gaps have left many families struggling. “Middle-income families are increasingly squeezed, and very low-income households are barely surviving,” Wilson said. Food insecurity remains widespread, inspiring initiatives like the FREE from Hunger Center.

Wilson describes her leadership philosophy simply: stewardship. “No single leader or organization has all the answers,” she said. “Leadership is about listening, bringing people together and creating the conditions for others to contribute their talents and ideas.”

Cornerstones grew out of the founding vision of Robert E. Simon, who imagined Reston as an inclusive community. That spirit remains today, reflected in volunteers serving meals, residents helping job seekers, and community members supporting children’s programs.

One family story illustrates the impact. Cheryl entered shelter with her twins after falling into debt while caring for extended family. With Cornerstones’ support, she moved into transitional housing, became a homeowner, and raised two children who completed their education. Today, she chairs the board of Cornerstones’ housing corporation.

Wilson’s successor, Shannon Steene, will lead the organization into its next chapter. “He has a deep commitment to community and dignity for every person,” Wilson said.

As she steps away, Wilson plans to spend more time with family and grandchildren, take long walks on the beach and enjoy a glass of wine with her husband of 40 years. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the Cornerstones story,” she said. “The compassion and generosity of this community make it possible to meet people every day with dignity, hope and practical help.”