Cornerstones names Chief Executive Officer
We are pleased to share our client Cornerstones has appointed Shannon Steene as its new Chief Executive Officer. Steene joined Cornerstones’ in mid-April 2026. He succeeds Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones’ executive for over twenty-five years.
As CEO, Steene will lead the organization’s mission and advocacy for increasing affordable housing, food security, and family stability along Virginia’s Dulles Corridor. Over the past 56 years, Cornerstones has built a trusted reputation as one of the region’s leading human services nonprofits, advancing stability, empowerment, and hope through support, advocacy, and community building.
“On behalf of Cornerstones Board of Directors and staff, we are proud to announce Shannon Steene as our organization’s next CEO,” said Andy Lacher, Chair of Cornerstones’ Board of Directors. “Our entire interview team was impressed by Shannon’s compassionate, hands-on leadership expanding homeless services in Alexandria, Virginia. His extensive human services leadership and ability to lead with flexibility, clarity, and compassion will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen Cornerstones’ decades of service to the community. We look forward to joining forces with Shannon to further amplify Cornerstones’ impact and deepen partnerships across Fairfax and Loudoun counties that tackle urgent needs around affordable housing, food security, and family well-being.”
In his new role, Steene will partner with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team to advance Cornerstones’ mission, deepen community partnerships, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve individuals and families across the region.
“I’m deeply honored to step into this role and lead an organization with such a strong foundation and trusted reputation,” said Steene. “Cornerstones’ commitment to excellence speaks for itself, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that legacy while guiding us toward our next chapter of growth and impact.”
Steene’s placement results from an extensive national search led by Good Insight, an award-winning, Washington, DC-based executive search firm with a focus on nonprofits, associations, and foundations. Kate Dykgraaf and Tej Pikle led this project on behalf of Good Insight.
About Shannon Steene
Shannon Steene is an accomplished nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience in human services leadership. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter, one of the largest homeless shelters in Northern Virginia. During his 10-year tenure, he more than tripled the organization’s budget by expanding shelter capacity and broadening services. Steene also led the innovative transformation of a vacant Macy’s into a fully operational temporary shelter, ensuring uninterrupted services while spearheading a $2 million capital campaign for a state-of-the-art permanent facility.
Under his leadership, Carpenter’s Shelter earned the 2015 Best Nonprofit Award from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, a 2020 David Bradt Leadership Award from the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and a 2020 Best Real Estate Redevelopment Award from the Washington Business Journal. The Shelter’s board also earned a 2021 Board Leadership Award from the Center for Nonprofit Advancement while Steene was in office.
Previously, Steene served as Member Engagement Director for Lutheran Services in America (Washington, DC) and as Executive Director for Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services (Alexandria, VA). Steene succeeds Kerrie Wilson, who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished leadership with Cornerstones.
About Cornerstones
Founded more than 55 years ago, Cornerstones is one of the region’s leading human services nonprofits, advancing stability, empowerment, and hope through support, advocacy, and community building along the Dulles Corridor. Cornerstones provides programs and services addressing affordable housing, food security, early childhood education, and family stability for individuals and families in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.