Cornerstones Names Shannon Steene as New CEO
Steene to lead nonprofit’s mission and advocacy for increasing affordable housing, food security, and family stability along Dulles Corridor
RESTON, VA (February 12, 2026) – Cornerstones, one of the region’s leading human services nonprofits advancing stability, empowerment, and hope through support, advocacy, and community building, today announced the appointment of Shannon Steene as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 13, 2026.
“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. 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’ 56 years 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.”
With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Steene most recently 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. Additionally, Shannon 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. The solution embodied out-of-the-box thinking and unconventional partnerships to meet a critical community need. Under this 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. Shannon’s career tenure also includes serving as Member Engagement Director for Lutheran Services in American (Washington, DC) and as Executive Director for Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services (Alexandria, VA).
“I’m deeply honored to step into this role and lead an organization with such a strong foundation and trusted reputation. 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,” says Steene.
Steene succeeds Kerrie Wilson, who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished leadership. This year’s Cornerstones of Our Community celebration on April 9, 2026 will mark Cornerstones’ notable 55-years of impact and service to the community, and Wilson’s remarkable 25 years of leadership with Cornerstones.
# # #
Social Media
Facebook: @CornerstonesVa
Instagram: @cornerstones_reston
LinkedIn: @CornerstonesVa
About Cornerstones
Together with our community, Cornerstones promotes stability, empowerment, and hope through support, advocacy, and community-building for individuals and families in need. Since 1970, Cornerstones has been a leading anchor organization in Northern Virginia, serving almost 26,000 households annually. Our dedicated team connects people facing hardship with life-changing resources, tackling the root causes of homelessness and poverty to help build strong, stable families and a resilient community. Cornerstones is also a trusted advisor at the local, state, and national levels, championing policies and partnerships that expand affordable housing, food security, and the well-being of children and families to ensure everyone thrives in our community.
English