Joliet’s Cornerstone Services hires new vice president of development

Joliet — Cornerstone Services in Joliet has hired a new vice president and chief development officer.

Mindy Diaz previously served as the director of academic success and support programs at North Central College in Naperville.

In that role, she oversaw student disability services, academic advising, tutoring services and new student onboarding, among other duties, according to a news release from Cornerstone Services.

From 2019 to 2021, Diaz served as the NCC director of student disability services, a role in which she coordinated accommodations for students with disabilities and provided training on disability-related topics.

She also served as disability services manager at Joliet Junior College from 2016 to 2019.

“I am truly thrilled and honored to accept the role at Cornerstone Services,” Diaz said in the Cornerstone statement announcing her appointment. “This opportunity represents an exciting new chapter, and I am eager to contribute my experience and passion to help drive innovation, collaboration and growth of the agency. I look forward to working alongside such a talented team and embracing the challenges ahead, all while advancing Cornerstone’s mission and delivering exceptional services to our clients.”

Cornerstone has been operating in Joliet since 1969, providing advocacy and services for people with disabilities throughout northern Illinois.

Diaz is not new to Cornerstone and its mission. She previously served as a board member for the organization, where she “helped set the strategic direction for the agency,” according to the release.

“Mindy brings with her a passion for services for people with disabilities,” Cornerstone CEO Ben Stortz said in the release. “Mindy’s leadership, program management, grant development and community engagement will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we develop, enhance and grow services. I am thrilled for Mindy to join our team and help further our services for many years to come.”

Diaz also has served as an adjunct instructor of mathematics at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.