Recognizing Cornerstones Ceo Kerrie Wilson on the Occasion of Her Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Kerrie Wilson on her upcoming retirement after nearly 25 years of dedicated service as the CEO of Cornerstones in Reston, Virginia. Cornerstones is a nonprofit organization that has provided Northern Virginia families and individuals with support, advocacy, and empowerment through critical services for over 55 years.

Founded in 1970 as Reston Interfaith, Cornerstones began as an advocacy group focusing on affordable housing needs in the Reston community and has now grown into a comprehensive service organization that serves and supports approximately 26,000 individuals throughout Fairfax County annually. The services available through Cornerstones have expanded significantly under the exceptional leadership of Kerrie Wilson and today encompass housing assistance, food assistance, financial assistance, childcare, youth services, community and family strengthening, and several community resource centers throughout the district.

Ms. Wilson became CEO of Cornerstones in 2001 after a distinguished career at the American Cancer Society, where she focused on cancer prevention for medically underserved communities and ultimately served as the organization's national vice president for government relations. During her tenure at Cornerstones, she has guided the nonprofit through a period of remarkable growth and strengthened its role as an indispensable resource for our region.

Her leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and collaboration. She played an instrumental role in expanding access to affordable housing, advancing supportive services, and forging strategic partnerships that empower individuals and families toward long-term stability. In 2023, Cornerstones extended its reach with the opening of the Free from Hunger Center, a 10,000-square- foot facility that strengthens food distribution networks throughout the region.

Ms. Wilson's many contributions to public service have been recognized throughout her career, including receiving the Katherine Hanley Public Service Award for her extraordinary impact on Fairfax County and her dedication to improving the lives of others, and Leadership Fairfax's Non-Profit Leadership Award for her tireless commitment to strengthening the region's non-profit sector.

Mr. Speaker, Kerrie Wilson's retirement marks the culmination of nearly a quarter-century of visionary leadership that has transformed and strengthened an institution central to the well-being of our region. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Kerrie Wilson for her years of devoted service and wishing her a joyful, fulfilling, and well-earned retirement.

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