About

God is honored. Religious freedom flourishes. Families thrive. Life is cherished.

Cornerstone Action and Cornerstone Policy Research are non-partisan, non-profit Christian advocacy organizations dedicated to a New Hampshire where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. As one of forty associated state organizations, we work in Concord throughout the legislative session tracking bills, testifying before committees, and providing lawmakers with well-researched policy analysis. We also mobilize thousands of Granite Staters through action alerts, online testimony, and petitions, and each election cycle we survey candidates and publish voter education resources so people of faith can participate with confidence.

We believe that the freedom to worship, serve, and speak according to conscience belongs to every person of faith and that Churches are the heart of any healthy community. Cornerstone offers legal representation to churches and individuals across New Hampshire, with a focus on defending religious and civil liberties. Whether a congregation faces unfair zoning restrictions, a ministry is pressured to compromise its convictions, or an individual is penalized for expressing deeply held beliefs, we stand ready to defend their constitutional rights in the courts and before government officials.

We are dedicated to being your voice in Concord and the courts, focusing on the following key issues:

Our Story

Cornerstone Policy Research (501c3) was founded in 2000 to help defend, promote, and protect families, faith and freedom in New Hampshire. Five years later, Cornerstone Action (501c4)  was established as Cornerstone’s political advocacy division.

With dynamic and committed leadership from board members and directors, Cornerstone has become a respected New Hampshire resource for fact-based information on issues including the right to life, religious liberty, family life, and education. As Cornerstone prepares to enter its third decade, its mission statement stays true to its founders’ vision: Cornerstone is dedicated to a New Hampshire where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.

Our People

Shannon McGinley
Executive Director
Shannon McGinley is the Executive Director of Cornerstone Action and Cornerstone Policy Research, overseeing vision, staffing, and daily operations. A founding board member, Shannon has been a leader and advocate for over 30 years, driven by a passion for pro-life and pro-family values. Upon moving to New Hampshire in 1997, she recognized the need for strong voices defending marriage, family, and life issues. Under her leadership, Cornerstone continues to champion the people of New Hampshire. Shannon and her husband Doug live in Bedford, NH, and are the proud parents of five sons ranging from grade school to adulthood.
Ian Huyett, Esq.
Associate Director & Head of Litigation

Ian Huyett serves as Associate Director and Head of Litigation. An experienced civil litigator, he specializes in constitutional protections for religion and other civil liberties. He has represented dozens of New Hampshire churches and served as the primary lobbyist for more than a dozen state laws. He holds a J.D. from Washington and Lee University and has published scholarly articles on law and religion. Ian studies Italian in his spare time, enjoys assorted martial arts, and is a volunteer board member of the New Hampshire Blockchain Council. 

Isabella Peters
Policy Director
Isabella focuses on Cornerstone’s policy research and legislative support. Additionally, she manages Cornerstone’s outreach efforts through communications, events, and social media. She holds an Associate Degree in Social Sciences from Manchester Community College and a Bachelor’s in Middle East Studies from The American University in Cairo. A New Hampshire native, she enjoys foreign languages, photography, and classical music, playing both violin and piano.
Clare Forrester
Director of Stewardship & Engagement
Clare Forrester brings extensive nonprofit experience to Cornerstone, focusing on donor stewardship, supporter engagement, and communication. Her strength lies in connecting individuals to Cornerstone’s mission, whether through volunteering, prayer, or advocacy. Clare is dedicated to enhancing the organization’s systems, messaging, and outreach. She and her husband have four children.
Mary Fahey
Communications and Policy Specialist
Mary Fahey supports Cornerstone’s communication efforts and outreach, managing email correspondence, social media, events, mailers, and the internship program. She closely monitors legislative developments and helps keep Granite Staters informed. Mary holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas More College and has studied pre-med. A New Hampshire resident for nearly 16 years, she enjoys skiing in the White Mountains and has a strong interest in botany. Mary currently lives in Hollis.
Helena Davis
Communications and Research Specialist
Helena Davis leads Cornerstone’s communications and research efforts, ensuring responsiveness, drafting communications, and conducting policy research. A Hollis native, Helena earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas More College and an MA in Political Philosophy from Hillsdale College. Her deep understanding of political systems informs Cornerstone’s advocacy work. She and her husband have three daughters.