Who We Are
About Cornerstone Licensing
Stay licensed to operate, in every state
Our Mission
Built by Licensing Specialists
Cornerstone Licensing is a team of licensing specialists who have completed over 525,000 filings across all 50 states, US territories, and cities, with nearly 30 years of experience focused on a single problem: making multi-state licensing painless for financial services and fintech companies.
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Over 525,000 filings completed across all 50 states, US territories, and cities
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Direct relationships with state agencies in all 50 jurisdictions
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Atlas compliance platform: every license, bond, and renewal in one place
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Dedicated specialists assigned to every account
By the Numbers
What Our Clients Rely On
- Years Experience
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28
Years Experience
- Filings Completed
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525,000+
Filings Completed
- States Covered
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50
States Covered
- Active Clients
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1000+
Active Clients
Our Values
What Drives Us Every Day
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Integrity
We do what we say, every time. Compliance work has zero tolerance for surprises.
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Expertise
Decades of regulatory experience, kept current with every state rule change.
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Responsiveness
Specialists answer in hours, not days. Renewals are tracked weeks ahead.
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Partnership
Your business is unique. We build a plan that fits how you actually operate.
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Accuracy
Every filing is reviewed before it leaves our desks. No retries, no penalties.
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Transparency
Atlas gives you real-time visibility into every license, bond, and renewal.
Operators are tired of being passed around.
A named specialist owns your file end to end. No ticket queue. No guessing what stage you are at.
- What you usually get
Your file lands in a ticket queue.
3case numbers, no ownerA reply-all chain with three case numbers. Whoever has bandwidth that hour picks it up. Context drops at every handoff and you re-explain your business on every call.
- And the worst part
Nobody tells you when something stalls.
4 weeksbefore anyone tells you it stalledDay 31An examiner asks for a corrected form on day 31. The ticket sits. You find out four weeks later, when your launch date moves. The provider blames the state. The state blames the provider.
How we staff itHere, a named specialist owns it end to end.
Same dayreply from your specialistThe same person who takes your intake files your packets, answers the examiner, and rolls the renewal. They have a phone number. They reply the same day. If they ever change, the handoff is a real meeting, not a ticket transfer.
- And they are never alone
Their playbook is everyone's playbook.
You learn what is actually required when you submit tens of thousands of filings a year. Some states reject filings stapled instead of paper-clipped. Others kick them back over the wrong ink color. When a new quirk surfaces anywhere on the team, it is added to every specialist's playbook immediately, so your file never gets caught by it.
Meet the team
Your file lands in a ticket queue.
A reply-all chain with three case numbers. Whoever has bandwidth that hour picks it up. Context drops at every handoff and you re-explain your business on every call.
Our Pillars
The People at Our Core
These three have each spent well over a decade at Cornerstone. They have seen the rules change and the industry shift, and they still set the standard the rest of the team works to.
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Christy Barger
CRO
Shapes how Cornerstone works with every client, so the relationship stays as dependable as the filings.
With Cornerstone since 2005
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Denille Bickford
Director of Operations
Keeps the licensing teams trained and the day to day running, so your work is handled right the first time.
With Cornerstone since 2008
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Carly Pearson
Initial Licensing Manager
Leads the team that gets new licenses filed correctly from the start, which cuts back and forth and prevents problems later.
With Cornerstone since 2012
All three began as licensing specialists, and each has spent well over a decade with Cornerstone.
The Team
Specialists Behind Every Filing
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Anna Agee
Researcher
Anna brings curiosity and keen attention to detail to Cornerstone, turning complex regulatory research into clear, practical guidance for our sales team and clients. Her day starts with plenty of water and a walk with her dog, Penny. After hours, she's with family and friends, on the tennis court, or working out, and she's known at home for baking great desserts. A true adventurer, she once moved across continents on her own to start fresh. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree, with studies in Moscow and Paris. A natural at solving mysteries, Anna loves tracking down the right sources and connecting the dots, skills that make her an excellent researcher. -
Monica Anglin
Licensing Specialist
We like to call her "sunshine in a bottle" and as one of our Licensing Specialists, she's a major player at Cornerstone. Her favorite thing about the company is the way everyone supports each other, inside and outside of the office. Monica loves to start each day with prayer and a cup of coffee. She's adventurous too, once spending a weekend alone in a treehouse without electricity or running water, something many may not know about her. She's crazy about her son and three beautiful grandbabies, and her big heart thrives on volunteering her time at church and in the community. -
Christy Barger
CRO
Christy Young Barger has been a dedicated member of the team for an impressive 20+ years. She's passionate about her role, focusing on client success and building strong relationships within the industry. Christy's integrity shines through in her work, always doing the right thing with respect for all. Outside the office, she enjoys the simplicity of living in the woods and supporting her son's travel volleyball team and drama endeavors. Christy's adventurous side once led her to cliff dive in Mexico, a memory she fondly recalls with her brave son. She holds dear the advice to keep doing the right thing, a principle that Cornerstone was built upon. With a love for the outdoors rooted in childhood memories of Cades Cove, Tennessee, it's no surprise her son is named after this cherished place. As a mother and a 'second mom' to her son's friends, Christy values helping others privately, without the need for recognition, a true testament to her generous spirit. -
Denille Bickford
Director of Operations
Denille has been with Cornerstone for an impressive 17+ years! Starting as a renewal specialist, she has worked her way to Director of Operations. Complimenting her deep industry knowledge, she's also an expert at connecting with those she leads and is great at keeping all the plates spinning. Denille's quick wit brings a round of laughter to everyone in a room. It's no wonder her favorite part of the job is the people she works with. When she's not working as a licensing ninja, you can bet she's having fun with her son, enjoying anything and everything he does. -
Susan Blair
Accounting Specialist
Joy overflows from Susan, an Accounts Receivable Specialist who says she loves absolutely everything about her job. As someone who retired from the mortgage industry with more than four decades experience, Susan is a pro at customer service and knows that it's truly one of the most important aspects of professionalism. She starts her day with a cup of coffee and reminds herself that joy is a choice. Outside of work, she loves gardening, home décor, and spending time with her husband of 30+ years, their daughter, and one sweet grandson. -
Reilly Boehm
Customer Success Specialist
With Reilly's knack for meticulous research and eagerness to learn the complexities of licenses and businesses across the country, her role at Cornerstone is a seamless fit. Outside of the office, Reilly embraces an active lifestyle, enjoying exercise and quality time with family, friends, and their beloved dogs. When it comes to sports, Reilly loves soccer and cheering on Manchester City F.C.. Reilly's zest for life and detail-oriented mindset are just a few traits that make her a valuable team member and a delightful colleague. -
Jeff Brewer
President & CEO
As Cornerstone's President and CEO, Jeff says his favorite thing about his role is serving such an outstanding team. Jeff has worked in the miliary, the Fortune 50, at Startups, and in Big 3 consulting, but this is his favorite job ever. Outside of work, he loves spending time outdoors and playing sports with his family. A fervent traveler, he has explored 45 countries and 49 US states (ND!), with memorable experiences including diving in Belize's Blue Hole, venturing the Silk Road in Xian, China, and supporting entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In his personal life, Jeff is a loving husband and father, happily married for almost 20 years, and a proud parent to a bunch of amazing children. Jeff lives by the wisdom imparted in Proverbs 3:5-6, a testament to his faith and focus. -
Maggie Brown
Licensing Specialist
Maggie is known for her attention to detail and exceptional multitasking skills. She cherishes the camaraderie amongst her colleagues who make her feel like a part of the family. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys watching her children play sports, reading, and embarking on travels with her kids. A lesser-known fact about her is her love for baking, a sweet surprise she often brings to the office. She's also a proud mother to two teenagers and two fur babies. Maggie has an adventurous side too, with trips to Alcatraz and Sequoia National Forest under her belt. The best advice she ever received is to put God first and trust that He will always provide, a wisdom she applies in every aspect of her life. Despite her many accomplishments, including graduating as Valedictorian from her high school and graduating from KSU one day before giving birth, she modestly considers raising her two children as her most adventurous feat. -
Gail Burgess
Licensing Specialist
Gail Burgess is all about relationships. She loves making connections with clients, staying accessible, and making sure they're happy with every interaction. Known for her warm, positive outlook and great listening skills, she brings a personable, go-getter spirit to her role at Cornerstone. Gail starts her mornings with prayer, stretching, meditation, and a cup of tea or coffee. Outside work, you'll often find her outdoors, walking while her daughter bikes, hiking, riding the BeltLine, or relaxing by the lake. A graduate of esthetics (after starting in cosmetology), she once went zip-lining in the rain in Jamaica and she swears by her cornbread. Family means a lot to her, she has three daughters and a Yorkie, and her roots in the Philippines are especially meaningful. When it comes to sports, she cheers for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. -
Nathan Carver
Principal Software Developer
Nathan Carver takes ownership of improving Cornerstone's software and delivery, with a focus on user experience and building products that support real business results. He values autonomy and accountability in his work, and he brings a steady, solutions-focused mindset to each project. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys time with his family, whether they're traveling, watching movies, or playing games, and he likes starting the day with a quiet coffee with his wife before things get moving. He also gives back by volunteering at his church and mentoring future developers through Canton Coders. -
Kendrah Cox
Licensing Specialist
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Jennifer Cristao
Licensing Specialist
Jennifer brings more than a decade of licensing experience to Cornerstone, where she enjoys helping clients navigate the licensing process with accuracy and efficiency. Known for her problem-solving mindset and attention to detail, she approaches every project like a puzzle, determined to find exactly what each state requires to avoid delays. Outside of work, Jennifer loves spending time with her family, exploring new places, and attending festivals, museums, and conventions. A proud LEGO enthusiast, she collects sets and minifigures and attends the largest LEGO convention each year with her son. She and her husband have two children, a spirited young son and an independent daughter, and she jokes that raising kids 15 years apart keeps life interesting. Fun fact: she's never missed a flying insect with a single swat of her trusty fly swatter. -
Dawn Graham
Training Manager
Known for her radiant smile and her fun-loving sense of humor, Dawn keeps a positive attitude and loves the fact that no two days are ever the same in her role as Training and Development Manager. Dawn's favorite way to start the day is with prayer, and adds that the toughest job she's ever had has been raising her family, but she wouldn't trade it for all of the money in the world. When not at Cornerstone, you'll find Dawn and her husband of 20+ years cheering on her two sons who play college football, or spending time with her daughter and her "grandest" grandson. -
Michaela Gruber
Licensing Assistant
Michaela Gruber is a hardworking and detail-oriented team member who enjoys getting things done behind the scenes. She loves helping people and takes pride in checking tasks off the list. Outside of Cornerstone, Michaela teaches dance and serves as a youth group leader at her church, where she enjoys mentoring her small group of students. She spent three years traveling across the U.S. with a ministry and once faced her fear of heights by doing a skywalk on the tallest tower in Macau, China. Michaela starts her day with faith, fitness, and coffee, living by the advice: "Wherever you are, be all there." -
Sumita Hunter
Licensing Specialist
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Esther HwangBo
Licensing Specialist
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Angela Johnston
Marketing Coordinator
Angela is a fresh addition to the Cornerstone team who brings a keen eye for detail, a flair for design, and a passion for branding to her role. Despite her short tenure, Angela has already immersed herself in learning a new industry and a diverse scope of projects. Outside of work, Angela is a devoted mother to her three children and loves spending time with them outdoors. She's also a culinary enthusiast who enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants. Known for her adventurous streak, Angela once skydived and survived getting lost during a solo hike in Canada! Angela holds an undergraduate degree in advertising and a master's degree in business management from the University of Florida. Although she took a two-year break to focus on her family, Angela is thrilled to be back in the professional world. With a unique blend of professional expertise, adventurous spirit, and family devotion, Angela is a valuable addition to our team. -
Kaylah Jones
Licensing Specialist
Kaylah Jones enjoys being in a role at Cornerstone that lets her help people and learn how licensing laws work from state to state. She brings a kind, service-minded approach to her work and values starting each day with prayer and meditation. Outside of work, Kaylah loves spending time with her children, going to church, listening to music, reading, crocheting, and cooking, especially when she is recreating her favorite take-out meals at home. She serves as a praise and worship leader at her church, appreciates quiet moments like listening to the sound of rain, and still cheers for the New Orleans Saints on game days. -
Shayna Kaul
Account Executive
Shayna Kaul brings deep licensing experience and a fresh perspective to Cornerstone, with a background that spans many industries and a real curiosity for how the work keeps evolving. After years on the service side of business licensing, she is excited to approach the industry from a new angle and continue growing in a field she knows well." Shayna is known for being quick on the keyboard, detail-oriented, and always ready to dig in and learn something new. Outside of work, she loves spending time with friends and family, especially her young son, along with cooking spicy food and singing karaoke. She is also a Buffalo Bills fan by marriage and likes to joke that she married into the Mafia in 2020. -
Claudia Keirn
Director of Finance
Claudia Keirn brings a growth mindset to Cornerstone and has a knack for digging into software to find simple ways to streamline how we work. She's not afraid of big steps, after three of her children graduated high school, she went back to earn her CPA. She also launched a consulting business. Outside the office, Claudia's happiest with her husband, son, three daughters, and a growing crew of grandchildren. Mornings start with a big mug of tea, and weekends often include restoring a 1976 International Scout or sewing intricate beaded jackets for horse shows (no alteration requests, please). She's deeply involved in her community as a longtime 4-H Horse & Pony committee member and as a board member for Magical Meadows, a therapeutic riding center. And when game day rolls around, she's cheering for Purdue. Boiler Up! -
Leslie Keneely
Office Manager
Leslie Keneely is the go-to person you can count on, she loves solving problems and making someone's day easier. Outside of work, you'll find her on the lake with her boyfriend or hiking with family, and most mornings start with a workout or a quiet walk. An adventurer at heart, she's flown by helicopter over Maui's cliffs and waterfalls, and Yellowstone remains a favorite for its wide-open beauty and wildlife. A personal milestone: after a cliff-jumping accident, she recovered fully and now carries a bit of titanium in her spine. Leslie holds a degree from Georgia Southern University. At home, she dotes on Thor and Loki, her cats, and Hartley, her German Shorthaired Pointer. When she gets the chance, she also loves catching a Braves game. -
Jennifer Kim
Renewal Department Manager
Jennifer is known for her unwavering flexibility and the ability to stay calm under pressure. When she's not working, you'll likely find Jennifer exploring the world or running, often kick-starting her day with a workout and quiet reflection time. An adventure seeker at heart, she once bravely tasted snake, and her travel memories often lead her back to Venice, Italy. She's an extrovert with a love for community, serving as a choir member and part of the leadership team at her church. A proud alumna of the Georgia Bulldogs, Jennifer is also a dedicated mother, balancing her professional life with raising two children. Her life mantra? "Work hard, play hard" - a fitting description of this dynamic team member. -
Joe Liffrig
CTO
Joe brings a unique blend of flexibility and curiosity to his role. With the freedom to create innovative solutions to a myriad of technology challenges, from software development to bug fixes, Joe thrives in his position. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, reading, weightlifting, hiking, and home improvement projects. An early riser, he cherishes quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and a devotional on his back deck. One of Joe's most adventurous feats was a solo motorcycle trip down California's scenic Highway 1. As a history enthusiast, particularly of WWII, he brings a rich store of knowledge to any discussion. Joe's compassion extends beyond his immediate family, as he and his wife have made a difference in their community by serving as foster parents for the past four years. His educational background is equally interesting; having been homeschooled all the way through high school, he later completed his undergrad at the US Coast Guard Academy. -
Caroline Long
Controller
Caroline loves our small company culture where she thrives in her multifaceted role. Known as a detail-oriented "taskmaster," she enjoys diving into the nitty-gritty and finding solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, beach lounging, and watching hummingbirds from her porch. A boot camp enthusiast and an early morning bible-reader, Caroline's days are well-balanced between physical fitness and spiritual nourishment. A proud mother of three daughters, Caroline has been married for over 30 years. She is an active volunteer, focusing on food provision at Serve International and North Gwinnett Co-op. A University of Georgia alumna and an ardent fan of their football team, Caroline embodies the motto of making the most out of each day. Her secret power? Powering forward, no matter what. -
Sheri Long
Staff Accountant
Sheri holds a deep-seated love for her team and new challenges alike. Her genuine care extends beyond her colleagues, manifesting itself in her passion for animals. When she isn't fostering dogs and cats, she's volunteering for two animal rescues, which she finds highly rewarding. She's a firm believer in starting the day with a few sprays of perfume, a piece of advice from her grandmother that she swears by. Sheri is an avid college football fan, proving her love for teamwork extends beyond the office. -
Danielle Longamore
Licensing Specialist
Dani, an integral part of Cornerstone for the past four years, is as personable as she is versatile. Her favorite aspect of her job is the opportunity to meet new people from around the globe, a testament to her keen interpersonal skills and her knack for being funny. Outside of work, her interests range from reading and crocheting to collecting bone jewelry and indulging in true crime. Unbeknownst to many, she enjoys assembling botanical legos and has had quite the adventurous past, from working as a lady bouncer at a bar to ghost hunting in Tombstone, AZ. The most memorable place she's visited is Heidelberger Schloss in Germany, known for its beauty and gigantic wine barrel. At home, she has a German Shepherd named Thor, who is amusingly infatuated with her cat, HRH Chubbs. With a special ability to devour a book in a day and a wealth of random information at her disposal, Dani is a fascinating blend of unique interests and admirable traits. -
Jody Loyd
Senior Insurance Agent
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Jack Lucas
Full Stack Developer
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John McKinney
CMO
John, a proud graduate of the University of Florida and ardent Gator fan, brings to Cornerstone a unique blend of continuous learning and innovative thinking. He thrives on experimenting with strategies that best engage our diverse audiences, and his knack for identifying unseen connections makes him an invaluable asset to our team. Outside of work, John is an adventurer at heart. Whether it's ocean kayaking, hiking, backpacking, or woodworking, he loves to challenge himself. One of his most memorable adventures was visiting Skellig Michael, a small island off the coast of Ireland, once inhabited by monks. A man of perseverance, John's philosophy is simple but profound: "Just because something is not easy, doesn't mean it is too hard". And his superpower? He can find up-front parking spots every time, without the endless circling. -
Cami Merges
Bonds Specialist
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Teri Milhollin
Licensing Specialist
Teri Milhollin helps guide clients through initial licensing work, bringing a love of research, learning new things, and sharing the good news when a license is approved. She likes to figure things out and check tasks off the list, and she values the camaraderie she built with her training group and their trainer, Dawn. Outside of work, Teri enjoys running, hiking and walking, watching college football, and spending time with her husband and their family. Her mornings often start with Scripture, a devotion, a puzzle like Wordle, a morning walk or run, and coffee. She has also tackled adventure races like Muddy Buddy and even completed a half Ironman for her 50th birthday! Teri serves as an engaged couple mentor at her church and leads a fifth grade girls Bible study. On game days she cheers for the Georgia Bulldogs and Army! -
Lauren Murphy
Licensing Specialist
Lauren Murphy brings a sharp, no-nonsense approach to her work at Cornerstone, where she enjoys fitting all the puzzle pieces together to create seamless licensing applications. Clients appreciate her straightforward style and attention to detail, which help make the process feel simple and stress-free. Outside of work, Lauren loves cooking, trivia nights, and exploring new restaurants with her husband, especially spots that serve cocktails in unusual vessels like disco balls or Christmas ornaments. A comic book fan and trivia enthusiast, she also once paddle boarded under the Coronado Bridge at night using a light-up board to see the sea life below. She lives by the advice, "When you become the image of your own imagination, it's the most powerful thing you could ever do." -
Brandi Palladino
Researcher
Brandi Palladino supports Cornerstone in a research role and especially enjoys the investigative side of the work, figuring out where to find the right information and tracking down clear answers to complicated questions. She brings strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and persistence, shaped in part by her background as an executive assistant and her natural talent for planning, especially family travel. Outside of work, Brandi loves spending time with her husband and three children, going to church, and traveling, with Italy as a favorite destination. She volunteers at her church through community outreach programs, including a free clothing closet and events that offer free meals, and she enjoys singing in the choir. On game days, she likes cheering for Georgia Bulldogs football and the Buffalo Bills. -
Whitney Palladino
Licensing Specialist
Whitney's favorite aspect of her role at Cornerstone is the opportunity to build lasting relationships with both clients and colleagues. She brings a strong attention to detail and a personable approach to her work, which makes her an excellent fit for her role. Outside of work, Whitney enjoys spending quality time with her family, which includes her husband, 2 children, dog and a cat. She's originally from Oregon and has a taste for adventure, once taking a thrilling ride in a helicopter. -
Sylvia Park
Licensing Specialist
Sylvia Park is a flexible and organized problem-solver at Cornerstone Licensing, thriving in high-pressure situations. Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys traveling, playing golf, and working on puzzles. She also has a creative side, loving fashion, crafting, and vibrant colors. Her ideal morning starts with coffee and yoga, setting the tone for a calm and productive day. Sylvia's passion for adventure has taken her to fascinating places like Barcelona and Korea, where she's embraced new cultures and experiences. At home, she enjoys life with her small family of three, including her husband and daughter. Additionally, Sylvia is active in her church, serving as a small group life leader. -
Carly Pearson
Initial Licensing Manager
Carly has been a part of the Cornerstone team for 13 years. She values her coworkers highly and contributes to the team with her unique skills and vibrant personality. Not just a dedicated employee, Carly is also a martial arts enthusiast who owns her own gym and holds a high-level belt in Krav Maga. Beyond work, Carly can be found adventuring outdoors, fishing, hiking, and kayaking with her husband, five children, and their dog. A lover of travel, her most unforgettable journey was to St. Lucia, where she was struck by the island's natural beauty. Rooted in the belief that attitude determines outcome, Carly's mantra is, "If you say you can or cannot, you are right." And come game time? You'll find her cheering on the Falcons. -
Brooke Scheumann
Licensing Specialist
Brooke Scheumann is a Renewal Specialist at Cornerstone who enjoys the people she works with and the chance to keep learning a new field. Known for her attention to detail, adaptability, and dependability, she helps keep renewal work organized and on track for clients and internal teams. Outside of work, Brooke likes spending time with family and friends, reading, writing, and baking. She is guided by her Christian faith and values and the belief that the best thing you can be is yourself and that people who do not encourage your growth should not shape who you become. -
Madison Sherer
Licensing Specialist
Madison Sherer brings a warm, welcoming energy to the Cornerstone team and genuinely enjoys building strong connections with both clients and coworkers. She's someone who cares about helping others, creating a friendly environment, and bringing a thoughtful, people-first approach to her work each day. Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new recipes, and listening to music. She also has a fun story or two, including auditioning for American Idol at 16, and her family has a ranch in Oregon where they are growing truffles. If you get to know Madison, you'll also quickly learn she's a proud Georgia Bulldogs fan and alumni. -
Jung Shin
Licensing Specialist
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Michelle Simpson
Business Services Specialist
Michelle's flexibility and open-mindedness towards change, coupled with her knack for simplifying processes, make her a perfect fit for our dynamic environment. Outside of work, Michelle is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to swim, hike, backpack, and garden. She also has a unique passion for animals, caring for an impressive array of 14 pets, including ducks, dogs, cats, a turtle, a tortoise, and a pig. Michelle is a dedicated mother of two and a loving wife, and her family keeps her energetic and lively. She has an adventurous spirit, which is evident in her most exciting exploit, scuba diving in the Red Sea with her father. Michelle is also deeply involved in her community, volunteering at the YMCA as a swimming instructor, assisting her church, and coaching Parks and Rec leagues. With a business degree and a teaching license under her belt, Michelle continues to inspire us with her adaptability, resilience, and charm. -
Penny Siniard
Licensing Specialist
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Angela Slagle
Licensing Specialist
Angela is a dedicated team player, bringing her passion for helping others succeed to her role. As a lover of the outdoors, Angela's favorite activities include hiking, walking, and working in the yard. She also has a knack for baking, especially bread. One little-known fact about Angela is her dream of renovating a van to travel around the US, a testament to her adventurous spirit. Her sense of adventure extends far and wide, evident from her memorable experience of trying warm kumis, a fermented mare's milk in Kyrgyzstan. Among her travel destinations, New Zealand holds a special place in her heart, leaving her in awe of its stunning topography. Angela and her family are active participants in local and overseas mission work, reflecting their love for community service. -
Candice Smith
Licensing Specialist
Candice has a passion for problem-solving and an eye for detail. She loves getting to know her clients on a personal level and appreciates the intricate details that make every individual unique. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking with her kids, camping, and dancing. She's a music enthusiast who can't resist the call of a string band. At home, Candice is the proud parent of three children, each with their own unique talents. Her mornings are as lively as her personality, waking her children with cheerful singing and dancing. Her most poignant travel experience was a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, whose stark contrasts of beauty and poverty left a lasting impression on her. Candice's life mantra is to remember that life is an adventure and even the hiccups are part of the journey. -
Paige Stegall
Senior Licensing Specialist
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Sydney Strickland
Licensing Specialist
With a love for detail and a big heart for our clients, Sydney is perfect for her role as a renewal specialist. Calm under pressure, Sydney has learned "stress doesn't change the outcome." When not taking care of her clients, Sydney loves adventure, even going so far as swimming in the Mayan Cenotes in the jungle of Benito Juarez. But there's no adventure that compares to the one she's on as a new mom to her son, Grayson. She and her husband along with Grayson, and a fur baby named Dwight, are a happy family of four. -
Meredith Walters
Initial Registration Specialist
Meredith is a detail-oriented professional, and strives to complete projects accurately and swiftly for our clients. Her ability to balance work and family life is admirable; she treasures time spent with her awesome husband and their daughter outside of work. Meredith's day ceremoniously begins with a peaceful cup of coffee, setting the stage for her focused, diligent work ethic. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of NC at Pembroke. -
Suzanne Weaver
Sr. Account Executive
Suzanne Weaver has 10 years of experience as a licensed owner/operator in Real Estate and 12 years as a licensed originator in mortgage compliance & licensing. As a Senior Account Executive at Cornerstone, she is a licensing subject matter expert responsible for license determination and agreement execution, with a great deal of industry knowledge. -
Christina Whitenton
Licensing Specialist
Christina Whitenton helps Cornerstone clients get licensing projects off to a strong start by breaking complex work into clear, workable steps. A Georgia Tech graduate in History of Technology in Society, she brings an organized mind and a creative streak, she's an artist, poet, and gamer who starts the day with Earl Grey on the porch listening to the birds. Christina has represented Georgia Tech at a United Nations conference, backpacked across Iceland, and visited an ashram in India; she's also a proud Star Trek fan and maker of the best guacamole this side of the border. Her guiding words: "Fall nine times, get up ten." -
Gabbrielle Davis Williams
Licensing Specialist
Gabbi's warm smile and gentle ease create a contagious calm she shares with clients, and that, paired with strong technical skills, makes her a great fit as a renewal specialist. A proud cat-mom, Gabbi starts her day with Mercury and a hot cup of tea. A Tar Heel at heart who also cheers for the Braves, she loves to shop, travel, paint, and garden, and she's a graduate of interior design school, bringing a designer's eye to everything she does. The best advice she's received: never let others' opinions steer your decisions. She jokes that her superpower is always spotting the most expensive option. -
Nicole Womack
Licensing Specialist
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Andrea Woodbury
Bond and Insurance Agent
Andrea Woodbury brings curiosity and enthusiasm to her role at Cornerstone, where she values every opportunity to learn and grow. She describes herself as a "super nerd" who enjoys tackling new challenges and finding solutions. Outside of work, Andrea loves spending time with her family, playing backyard volleyball, hosting euchre (card game) parties, and staying active in her local homeschool soccer club, where she volunteers. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for more than 20 years and have three daughters who keep life fun and busy. Andrea once went bungee jumping at an amusement park and says hiking Multnomah Falls in Oregon, surrounded by 11 waterfalls, is one of her favorite memories. She holds a biology degree from the University of Saint Francis and believes in cherishing every moment with family. -
Heather Zambrano
Licensing Specialist
Heather brings her passion for people and problem-solving to her role as a Renewal Specialist at Cornerstone. Her favorite aspect of her job is building relationships with clients and ensuring they have an excellent customer service experience. When she's not at work, you'll find her at the beach, immersed in a good book, or playing tennis. A fun fact about Heather? She was part of the Atlanta Olympic Band in the 1996 Olympic Games! At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 18 years and their two kids. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Kennesaw State University, and is a proud UGA fan.
How we use AI
The tools changed. The judgment did not.
Cornerstone has been filing licenses since 1998. We use AI the way any experienced team uses a good tool: as an assistant that helps our specialists work faster, not as a replacement for their judgment. The models run on Cornerstone infrastructure, not public LLMs, because we take client data seriously. Every application and renewal is reviewed by a licensed specialist before it reaches a regulator.
On Our Infrastructure
Our models run on Cornerstone servers, not public chatbots. Your business information is not sent to a third-party LLM or used to train anyone else's product.
An Assistant, Not an Operator
AI helps our licensing team start their research in the right place and surface the resources to look at. Specialists vet what comes back and make the call.
Less Duplicate Work for You
Atlas figures out what data each form needs, then reuses what you have already given us so the same question does not come around twice. That is how approvals come faster.
Ready to Talk?
Cornerstone Licensing is a team of licensing specialists who have completed over 525,000 filings across all 50 states, US territories, and cities, with nearly 30 years of experience focused on a single problem: making multi-state licensing painless for financial services and fintech companies.
Explore More From Our Team
Tools and references our customers use most.
The Cornerstone Way
A repeatable method, from first filing to every renewal
Faster licenses, less effort on your side, fewer mistakes, and fewer headaches. It is the way we combine experienced specialists, intentional AI, and the Atlas platform across one sequenced process.
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Discover
We connect you with independent attorneys to pin down which licenses you need.
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Prepare
Your licensing specialist assembles each application; our software handles the repetitive work.
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Review
That same specialist reviews every filing before it reaches a regulator.
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Approve
We submit, track each application, and keep you posted until the license is granted.
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Renew
We file every renewal ahead of its deadline in Atlas so licenses stay current.
Anyone can list five steps. Here is what makes ours hold up.
The shortcut
The common approach is to scrape the web for an answer and hope it is current. When the rules change, or the page was wrong to begin with, the mistake surfaces as a deficiency after the filing is in, when it costs the most time.
The Cornerstone Way
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Specialists who know the answer
Decades of licensing specialists, so the answer is right rather than guessed.
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Trusted relationships with the regulator
Direct, trusted relationships with regulators, so we ask the question instead of assuming the answer.
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Living internal checklists
Checklists that update the moment we learn something new, so deficiencies are caught before they happen.
Ready to Talk?
Let's Get You Licensed and Keep You There
Tell us where you operate and an expert will map out next steps.