Merideth Rose
Merideth Rose serves as President and CEO of Cornerstones of Care, a 157-year-old behavioral and mental health nonprofit dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities across Kansas, Missouri and beyond.
A nationally recognized leader in child and family well-being, Merideth has spent more than two decades working across public service, education, disaster response, and behavioral health systems. Prior to leading Cornerstones of Care, she served in leadership roles with FEMA, public education, and community-based human services, bringing a unique perspective on how systems, communities, and relationships shape outcomes for children and families.
As an adoptee, foster care alum, and survivor of childhood adversity, Merideth's personal journey informs her professional mission to prevent crisis before it occurs and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, healthy, and connected community. Under her leadership, Cornerstones of Care serves more than 14,000 children and families annually through prevention, treatment, education, and lifelong support services.
Merideth is a 2024 Kansas City Business Journal Woman of Influence, a recipient of the 2025 Kansas City Pinnacle Prize and serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards throughout the Kansas City region. She is a passionate advocate for collaboration across healthcare, education, government, and community organizations, believing that lasting change happens when communities share responsibility for the well-being of children and families.
Breakout Session Title: "Don’t Sleep on Strategy: How Building the Right IT Foundation is Critical to Success"
