Chief Development Officer Chad Harris Named to Interim Leadership Role

After nearly 15 years of serving as Cornerstone of Care President & CEO, Denise Cross has announced her decision to step down from the executive leadership role, effective March 11, 2022.

In sharing this news with the agency’s team members and community partners, Cross said, “It has truly been an honor to lead this amazing organization and work alongside so many dedicated, caring individuals.” Cross continued, “As an organization, we have had the opportunity to annually impact the lives of more than 17,000 children and families across Missouri and Kansas—what an incredible and rewarding accomplishment!”

“As we emerge from the uncertainties the pandemic has presented the past two years, the organization is well poised to provide strength and stability to children and families through this transition and beyond. This is truly an exciting time for our team, our partners and the people we serve,” Cross said.

“Cornerstones of Care is what it is today—a leader in trauma-informed care, in communities across the Heartland that helps children and families heal—thanks to Denise’s exemplary leadership as our President and CEO these last 15 years,” said Julie Barnett, chair of the agency’s Board of Directors. “We are so appreciative of Denise’s passionate commitment to children. Her professional contributions will have a lasting positive impact on thousands of lives.”

Under Cross’ leadership, the agency experienced remarkable growth and milestone achievements in supporting children and families. Highlights during her tenure include:

• Achievement of certification in trauma-informed care from the Sanctuary Institute, becoming one of the first agencies in the region to hold this designation.
• Successful merger of five agencies (Cornerstones of Care, Gillis, Marillac, Ozanam and Spofford) and legal affiliation with Cornerstones of Care in 2017, with a focus on better care for children and families through service integration and providing a continuum of treatment.
• The vision, collaboration, build and launch of Homeroom Health, a pediatric health center at 30th and Troost with KC CARE Health Center, the first of its kind to provide integrated medical, dental, behavioral and social healthcare in one location.
• Expansion of community-based prevention, treatment and case management services in northern Missouri and eastern Kansas.
• Three-year partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs as the beneficiary of the Chiefs Charity Game raising $1.6 million for evidence-based approaches to care.
• Advocacy and public policy support in Jackson County, Topeka and Jefferson City, resulting in the passage of the Jackson County Children’s Service Fund, expansion of Medicaid in Missouri, and implementation and allocation of funding from the Family First Prevention Services Act.
• Leadership in the organization’s response to COVID-19, focusing on the safety and well-being of team members and the children and families served.
• And, celebration of the agency’s 150-year milestone, through the “Forward, Together” campaign.

To ensure a smooth transition, a search committee has been established comprised of current Board members. Further, the Board will work to involve senior leaders and key community partners in the search process. In the coming weeks, the Board will retain an executive search firm to assist in helping identify the next President/CEO for Cornerstones of Care. To support the leadership transition, the Board has named Chad Harris, Chief Development Officer, as Interim President & CEO.

“We thank Chad for agreeing to expand upon his leadership role with the agency during this transition,” Barnett said. “He and Denise will work closely with the Board and executive leadership team to maintain continuity with the high level of care we provide.”

In closing her remarks to Cornerstones of Care’s team members, Cross shared, “I am very blessed to have had such a rewarding professional experience at Cornerstones of Care and know you will have many more successes in the future. With much appreciation, thank you.”