Cornerstone Alliance is taking the next step in its strategic plan by hiring Tiyanna Williams as director of housing advancement.
Williams has more than seven years of experience in community development and housing policy.
She most recently was the community development fellow at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan in the City of Battle Creek. There she helped develop a housing strategy plan and an updated master plan. She also worked at the United Way South Central Michigan, and supported initatives that addressed homelessness. At Community enCompass, she led the implementation of an eviction diversion program that received statewide recognition.
“When we named housing as a strategic priority for 2026, we made a commitment to Berrien County that this work would be more than a study that sits on a shelf,” said Marla Schneider, president and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance, an economic development organization, in a press release. “Tiyanna brings the grounded, hands-on expertise and genuine passion for this work that will help us deliver on that commitment.”
Williams will focus on strengthening partnerships, community policy and expanding housing access.
“Housing is not a standalone issue; it is woven into every dimension of a community's health,” Williams said. “Berrien County has incredible partners doing this work every day, and I'm excited to join a team that is deeply committed to building on that foundation.
“I look forward to connecting housing investment to the broader goal of a Berrien County where people can live, work and thrive, and where opportunity is accessible to everyone who calls it home.”
Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Western Michigan University, and is pursing her MBA at Cornerstone University.
Cornerstone Alliance is an economic development organization that serves southwest Michigan.
