A Community Development Organization Built on Solid Ground
Cornerstone Clay Community Development Corporation is a faith-informed community development nonprofit focused on strengthening individuals, families, and communities through housing, education, financial capability, and pathways to long-term stability.
Our Mission
Rooted in Psalm 127:1, Cornerstone Clay Community Development Corporation is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing, preserving neighborhood stability, building generational wealth, and equipping underserved families with financial literacy and homeownership education across Texas.
Our Long-Term Vision
We envision communities where individuals and families have access to safe, affordable housing and the knowledge, resources, and support needed to build lasting stability. Over time, Cornerstone Clay aims to develop affordable and supportive housing, including housing for veterans, seniors, and adults with disabilities, alongside education and resource navigation that help households move toward self-sufficiency and generational progress.
Future program areas may also include support for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness, domestic violence, re-entry, housing instability, financial hardship, and other barriers to long-term stability, developed in partnership with qualified organizations as capacity allows.
Faith-Informed Foundation
Cornerstone Clay honors the family name of our founder’s grandmother, a reminder of the generations whose faith, sacrifice, and hard work laid the foundation for those who came after. “Cornerstone” reflects our belief that lasting work begins with the right foundation.
Our faith informs our values of stewardship, service, and dignity. Our programs are open to all eligible individuals regardless of faith, and Cornerstone Clay does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Organization Profile
| Legal name | Cornerstone Clay Community Development Corporation |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | Texas nonprofit corporation, July 14, 2026 (Texas Secretary of State File No. 806698148) |
| Federal tax status | Federal tax-exempt status information will be posted here once confirmed. |
| EIN | 42-5313618 |
| Service area | Based in Tyler, Texas, serving Smith County and East Texas, with a mission to serve communities across Texas |
| Current phase | Intentional growth and capacity-building phase: programs launching, housing initiatives in planning and pre-development |
| Contact | info@cornerstoneclay.org |
Board of Directors
Cornerstone Clay is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for oversight of the organization’s mission, finances, policies, and programs.
Marvel Campbell
Co-founder of DelRayShay Properties with more than 20 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and more than 35 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service. Active member of St. Louis Baptist Church.
Expertise: Housing programs · Property management · Community service
Tricia Billington
Holds an MBA and brings 34 years of information technology experience, including work with GAAP-based financial practices and Raiser’s Edge nonprofit software. Serves in Career and Technical Education with Tyler ISD.
Expertise: Financial oversight · Nonprofit systems · Technology
Rayne Campbell
Brings experience in mortgage lending, investments, business analysis, and quality assurance. Holds a degree in sociology and is committed to strengthening the community.
Expertise: Mortgage and lending · Business analysis · Quality assurance
Nicole Robinson
Principal of Jones Elementary in Tyler ISD, with experience in grant writing and program impact analysis.
Expertise: Education leadership · Grant writing · Impact analysis
Justin Johnson
Head Coach at Tyler High School with experience serving Title I school communities. Rental property owner.
Expertise: Youth and community engagement · Property management
Alex Gay, M.S.Ed.L.
Dean of Academics with a master’s degree in educational leadership and experience in data analysis and assessment design.
Expertise: Program design · Data analysis · Assessment
Courtney Russell
IT Service Desk Analyst and certified MIG welder, bringing technology support and skilled-trades experience.
Expertise: Technology · Operations · Skilled trades
Executive Director
Meshayla Kemp, MBA, M.Ed.
Meshayla Kemp is a Texas native with more than ten years of experience in instructional design, training, and organizational change across K–12 education, higher education, government, utilities, and corporate organizations. She holds an MBA and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University–Commerce and a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University.
She founded Cornerstone Clay to help Texas families build a firm foundation through affordable housing, financial literacy, and homeownership education. The organization’s name honors her grandmother’s maiden name.
Ms. Kemp also leads Kemp Advisory Group, LLC. She serves Cornerstone Clay as a non-voting director, and financial-assistance decisions are made independently of her.
Contact our team →Advisory Council
Advisory Council members provide expertise and guidance. They do not vote on board decisions.
Matthew Kemp
Land and real estate developer · Oil field professional
Rachel Cash
Land, real estate, intellectual property & IT law
Marc Kemp
General contractor · 40+ years
Priscilla Lyle
Military veteran · B.S. in Biology · Environmental Specialist, USDA Rural Development · Emergency management · Classroom teaching in early childhood and 4th grade reading & social studies
Donnie Campbell
U.S. veteran · DelRayShay Properties Co-Founder · 20+ years with HUD
Governance & Accountability
Cornerstone Clay is committed to responsible stewardship of every contribution and partnership. The Executive Director serves as a non-voting director, and decisions on financial assistance and awards are made independently of any individual with a personal or financial interest.
Governance policies being established by the Board of Directors include:
- Conflict of Interest Policy, including disclosure of related-party relationships and recusal from related votes
- Youth Protection Policy
- Financial Controls and Gift Acceptance Policy
- Whistleblower Policy
- Document Retention Policy
- Privacy and data protection practices
Cornerstone Clay’s Executive Director also leads Kemp Advisory Group, LLC, an independent professional-services firm whose services are eligible under the Community Assistance Program. This relationship is disclosed in the interest of transparency.
Help build the foundation.
Foundations, financial institutions, corporations, agencies, churches, and individuals can each play a role.