Cornerstone Research cofounder honored for achievement and leadership among the region’s outstanding women professionals.
Menlo Park, Calif.—Silicon Valley Business Journal has named Cynthia Zollinger to its Women of Influence 2023: Leadership x 100. The annual list honors women “at the top of their game,” impacting diverse fields and organizations.
Ms. Zollinger was chosen for her expertise and leadership for over three decades at Cornerstone Research. Since cofounding the firm in 1989, she and her leadership partners have built a company committed to intellectual rigor, objectivity, and integrity. Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting to top law firms, regulatory agencies, and leading U.S. and multinational companies, on many landmark cases.
It is a joy to live Cornerstone Research’s values with my wonderful colleagues and develop a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.
“Cindy leads through the power of her example, the strength of her dedication to excellence, and her ability to motivate others,” said Michael Topper, chair of the board of Cornerstone Research and Ms. Zollinger’s longtime colleague. “She has steered the firm with expertise, skill, intention, and empathy, all while remaining a trusted advisor to our top clients and experts. I am delighted to congratulate her on this richly deserved honor.”
Ms. Zollinger’s consulting work focuses on securities, corporate governance, executive compensation, taxation, M&A, bankruptcy, valuation, and damages estimation. She has worked on hundreds of securities class actions and testified in federal district court on financial and statistical analyses. In addition to cofounding Cornerstone Research, Ms. Zollinger has led the firm in every senior role—notably as CEO and president, managing director, and board chair.
Cindy leads through the power of her example, the strength of her dedication to excellence, and her ability to motivate others.
Ms. Zollinger’s passion for corporate citizenship has engendered a flourishing pro bono program, which seeks to make the legal system accessible to everyone. Cornerstone Research consultants apply their expertise to cases involving discrimination, civil rights, children’s rights, education, and asylum. The firm’s work has resulted in important decisions on pressing social issues, from racial profiling to voting rights to support children in the foster care system.
“I am so proud to be included in this group of extraordinary Silicon Valley women,” said Ms. Zollinger. “Building a firm committed to respect, empowerment, teamwork, and collaboration has been immensely rewarding. It is a joy to live these values at Cornerstone Research with my wonderful colleagues and develop a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.”
Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Women of Influence 2023: Leadership x 100 honors “the most interesting, creative, ambitious and, yes, influential woman working in Silicon Valley today.”
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