SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—Saying it is responding to a growing client base and expanded line of services, management consulting firm Cornerstone Advisors has hired nine seasoned industry professionals. "Rapid and wide-ranging change in the financial services industry means banks and credit unions have a greater need for specialized consultants," said Scott Sommer, Cornerstone's president and CEO.
Two new team members have been added to Cornerstone's Performance Solutions practice. Joel Pruis joins the team as senior director and Thomas Milillo as an analyst. Pruis will apply his extensive commercial banking experience within the practice. Prior to Cornerstone, Pruis held management positions at Experian Decision Analytics, Baker Hill, and both regional and national banks. Utilizing Cornerstone's exclusive benchmarking data, Milillo will help bank and credit union clients evaluate their profitability, staffing and efficiency levels. Milillo was formerly with MassMutual Financial Group.
Alison Van Pelt joins the Conversion Services practice as a director with a strong background in software implementation and technology. Prior to Cornerstone, Van Pelt was a client delivery executive for Fiserv and Open Solutions as well as being a vice president of information technology and information security officer for a mid-size bank.
Michelle Shoop joins the Payments practice as a director with an extensive background in payments product management, development and business analysis. Prior to Cornerstone, Shoop held management positions with Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and both regional and national banks.
Emily Waite joined Cornerstone as client relations and education director. Waite manages Cornerstone's GonzoBanker Roundtables and directs the firm's community efforts; virtual platforms where industry peers share best practices and perspectives. Prior to Cornerstone, Waite was a cash management officer for a regional bank.
Andrea Lipo joined the firm as director of operations. Lipo leverages 20 years of information technology experience to lead Cornerstone's enterprise initiatives and growing collaboration. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Lipo managed the Information Technology Service Management department at Salt River Project.
Cornerstone also hired two new administrative assistants, Jackie Lee and Marilyn Fotis, to support significant operational growth.
These eight strong new team additions join Cornerstone's recently announced welcome of Weldon "Butch" Leonardson as director of I.T. Leadership. Leonardson's 30 years of experience include serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at BECU in Seattle and as a practice director at Arthur Andersen & Company (Accenture).