Our Team
Debbi Akers
Executive Director
Email: debbi.akers@cornerstone-al.org
Debbi Akers has served as the Executive Director of The CornerStone Initiative since September 2016, after joining the organization as a team member in 2013.
Debbi has long felt a calling to serve under-resourced and often overlooked communities. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and brings extensive experience from her work with Compassion International and other global and local mission efforts.
Above all, Debbi is driven by a deep love for people and a passion to see individuals and communities flourish.
Tony Akers
Director of Initiatives
Email: tony.akers@cornerstone-al.org
Tony is a career Christian educator and serves as the Director of Initiatives at CornerStone. He holds a Master’s degree in Christian Education from Asbury Theological Seminary.
For more than 30 years, Tony served local churches in Kentucky and Alabama as a youth minister and as a director of discipleship. He is passionate about equipping others to use their gifts to serve Christ’s Kingdom.
At Cornerstone, Tony leads the development and execution of multiple programs: Faith and Finances, Jobs for Life, Good Works, and Amplify. A certified facilitator for Faith and Finances and Jobs for Life, he also created the curricula for Amplify and Good Works.
Wakanda Benniefield is a retired United States Air Force veteran, ministry leader, and finance professional with more than 20 years of leadership and financial management experience.
Her journey has taken her around the world through military service and into ministry, financial education, hospitality, and community outreach. Guided by faith and compassion, she helps others navigate challenges with a simple philosophy: “Let’s not make it complicated.”
Above all, Wakanda is driven by a deep love for God, family, and people, creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and equipped to flourish.
Wakanda Benniefield
Director of Engagement and Care
Email: wakanda@cornerstone-al.org
Amy Buckley
Executive Assistant
Email: admin@cornerstone-al.org
Phone: 256-384-4946