About Us

About Us

Develop Your Future Leaders from Within

Healthy and thriving organizations develop leaders from within. Empowering these leaders is our passion at Cornerstone. Since 1984, we've been helping companies across a range of industries - including pharmaceutical, biomedical, and medical devices - to create exceptional leaders who drive growth and success.


What sets us apart? Our proprietary systems and research-driven approaches. Our team leverages proven leaders and seasoned experts in the fields of industrial/organizational psychology, management, and organizational development. With our innovative programs, we help your future leaders develop the skills they need to take your company to the next level.

Our Leadership

Cornerstone President

Dr. Carl J. Thoresen is internationally published author and President of Cornerstone. Carl specializes in the development and implementation of processes for helping highly talented employees ascend smoothly into leadership roles. Prior to joining Cornerstone in 2003, Carl was Assistant Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, where he conducted studies in employee assessment, personality in organizations, and causes and consequences of work-related stress. Carl holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Northwestern University, an M.S. in Organizational Behavior from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management from the University of Iowa.

Joe Thoresen, Founder, Emeritus

Joe Thoresen, Cornerstone’s founding consultant, became a licensed industrial/organizational psychologist in 1976. After graduate school, he joined the team at Rohm and Haas, where he specialized in hiring, selection, and management training. Joe attained the title of Manager of Training and Organization Development before leaving to begin a consulting career. He was one of the first consultants to specialize in applications of the assessment center method. In 1983, Joe founded Cornerstone Management Resource Systems, a company focused on applying real-world experience and published research to improvements in assessment center methodology. This effort grew into the creation of an internal promotion/development process and an entirely different type of assessment center.

Share by: