Employees recognized for outstanding efforts in 2020

Tamra Gaines, experiences and events vice president, is the Cornerstone League 2020 Manager of the Year. Her nomination form describes her as “an innovator who is constantly thinking outside the box to not only make our events a success but also having our members in mind with every change the organization makes.” The form also detailed how Gaines looked at our in-person events, considering how to continue providing stellar education without meeting in person. She also negotiated with eight hotels to move events to 2021 or cancel them, without losing money.

The nomination also characterizes Gaines as the driving force in creating Cornerstone’s first entirely virtual conference. It also mentions that “She and her team spent many hours planning ELEVATE from the ground up. Talk about innovation and leadership.”

Kati Buchanan, operations and engagement vice president, has been named the Cornerstone 2020 Employee of the Year. According to her nomination, “Kati is tireless in her pursuit to ensure Cornerstone is the most essential organization in the region. She devotes long days every single day, juggling a multitude of responsibilities, and she does so with a cheerful spirit and with a can-do attitude. This year has been particularly challenging with staff vacancies, requiring us to serve credit unions effectively, but she didn’t miss a beat.”

The nomination depicts Buchanan as a go-to person. It continues stating, “she consistently volunteers for tasks despite her already tremendous workload. Without a doubt, Cornerstone is blessed to have her as a member of our team, and she has definitely earned the privilege to be named employee of the year.”

Both award recipients were nominated and elected by Cornerstone staff.

To further recognize staff for their exemplary performance last year, each department selected a Roaring 20s Award recipient. Employees recognized were:

• Linda Cates, Administration
• Suzanne Yashewski, Advocacy
• Angie Lutes, Foundation
• Cristina Martinez, Engagement
• Amber Bailey, Events and Experiences
• Leticia Perches, Audit and Consulting
• Tracy Florida, Product Development
• Jessica Wood, Marketing and Communications
• Kevin Hood, Information Security, Compliance and Consulting
• Reagan Pugh, Executive Search and Professional Recruiting
• Cheryl Sayers, Shared Branching
• Deana Brown, Sales
• Kay Zamberlan, Risk Management and Compliance