Our People
Shannon McGinley
Executive director
Shannon McGinley is the Executive Director of Cornerstone Action and Cornerstone Policy Research, responsible for our overall vision as well as staffing and day-to-day operations.
A founding board member of Cornerstone Action, Shannon has worked both behind the scenes and in leadership. Shannon is no stranger to advocacy, drawn to the pro-life/pro-family movement as a young woman. When she moved with her family to NH over twenty-five years ago, she saw a clear need for a voice who would speak on behalf of marriage and family in the state. It wasn’t just about the right to life, but all the issues impacting NH citizens and families. Since that time, Shannon has continued to build and strengthen the Cornerstone team as uncompromising proponents for the people of New Hampshire and quality of life in our beautiful state. Shannon and her husband Doug make their home in Bedford, NH.
They are the proud parents of five sons ranging from a home-schooled grade schooler to fully fledged adults.
Ian Huyett, Esq.
Associate Director and Head of Litigation
Ian currently serves as our Associate Director and Head of Litigation, having previously served as Head of Litigation. He brings deep expertise in litigation, with a focus on constitutional protections for religion, and in working with legislators on bills protecting civil liberties for all Granite Staters. Ian has proven to be a tireless champion for the cause of justice, ably representing dozens of New Hampshire churches. He also has experience defending free speech and combating religious discrimination.
Ian earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University in Virginia. An accomplished writer and editor, he has published a number of academic articles on law and religion. He has also been involved with Cru and with the Christian Legal Society. Connect with Ian here.
Mary Fahey
Communications & Policy Specialist
Mary wears many hats on our team, supporting our weekly communication efforts as well as helping with our many outreach initiatives. Her background in writing and editing have made her a natural fit for expanding our social media footprint and ability to post in real time. She manages our central email correspondence, helps plan and organize special events, and oversees mailers and manages our mailing lists. Additionally, Mary plays a vital role in organizing and leading our internship program. Understanding how difficult it is to follow the rapidly-changing political landscape in the state, Mary also helps monitor the latest developments during the legislative session.
Mary’s family hails from New Hampshire, and she has called the Granite State home for almost 16 years. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas More College and studied pre-med at Mass General Institute of Health and Southern New Hampshire University. She enjoys skiing in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and also has a keen interest in botany.
Mary currently lives in Nashua. You can connect with Mary here.
Clare Forrester
DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP & ENGAGEMENT
Clare comes to Cornerstone with a strong national and state-based background working for faith-based non-profits. Her gift is connection. She oversees supporter engagement, responsible stewardship of donations, and reaching out to the people of New Hampshire to keep them informed via our social platforms, website, and communications. Clare is also working hard to strengthen our overall systems and efficiency as well as our messaging and platforms.
For those seeking to engage more deeply with Cornerstone and our mission, Clare is the “go-to,” matching an individual’s gifts and desires with our needs, whether it be as a volunteer, prayer partner, or in another critical capacity.
Clare and her husband have two children. You can connect with Clare here.
Helena Davis
Communications & Research Specialist
Helena is Cornerstone’s tireless communications and research point person. She ensures we stay available and responsive to you, drafts our frequent communications, and conducts exhaustive research to inform our policy and advocacy positions.
Helena grew up in Hollis, New Hampshire. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas More College in Merrimack and a MA in Political Philosophy from Hillsdale College in Michigan. Her extensive academic studies into the philosophy and origins of our political system have proved to be a great asset in the work we do.
She and her husband reside in Southern New Hampshire with their two daughters.
Suzanne Murdoch
communications consultant
Suzanne is a military veteran and former military spouse with a broad business and writing background. She has deep roots in the Granite State, growing up in the Durham area and graduated from the University of New Hampshire, most recently living, worshipping, and volunteering in beautiful Strafford. She helps Cornerstone with writing and editing needs including drafting editorial content.
As a former HR Director, Suzanne also assists with organizational development and strategy. Suzanne holds an MA in Human Resources Management from the University of Redlands in California.
Deacon Fran Burke
Director of church and community alliance
Deacon Fran brings a rich background in the business and faith communities to his work with Cornerstone. After many years in high tech, he was transformed by an encounter with the Holy Spirit that brought with it an existential understanding of God as the source and summit of all that is good. Ordained a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Boston in 2014, he has specialized in community outreach and the personal and spiritual growth of others. His extensive volunteer work has included work with Christian schools and homeless outreach.
As Director of Church and Community Alliance for Cornerstone, Deacon Fran is committed to fostering rich relationships with the faith community in New Hampshire. He also serves as a key resource to educate churches, pastors, and individuals on the legislative process and how to effectively engage on vital issues impacting faith, family, and life.
You might call Deacon Fran a lifelong learner. He has earned a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MBA, a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Spirituality in addition to other educational accomplishments. His deep ties to New Hampshire have spanned his lifetime through family connections, and most recently, his own move to the state in 2012. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys farming, homesteading, sports, and travel. Connect with Deacon Fran here.
