With a wealth of experience in managing professional staff in both public and private sectors spanning over a decade and a half, Cornell is a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of personnel staffing, budget oversight for complex organizations, and the management of technical and policy teams. He has proven skills in negotiation and is well-versed in regional coordination and planning, with a track record of setting and achieving priorities. Cornell also has a knack for juggling multiple projects without sacrificing quality.

Cornell's previous role as the Economic Development Representative for Oklahoma and North Texas for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) saw him effectively building coalitions between regional economic development organizations in his service area. He managed over $20 million in federal investment, leading to a $1.5 billion impact in private investment, over 4,000 job creations, and the retention of over 3,000 jobs. Cornell's decision to live and raise his family in Oklahoma made him the first EDA representative in over two decades to do so.

As a Birmingham native, Cornell has an eclectic educational background to match his work experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Morehouse College, a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University, and a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, Georgia. Cornell also possesses certifications in management, economic development, and entrepreneurship from several universities and economic development institutions across the United States.

Cornell returned to his hometown in 2021 when he was appointed by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin as the Director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity (IEO) for the City of Birmingham. As the principal economic development department for the city of Birmingham, IEO is responsible for creating economic vitality through innovation and inclusive growth, making Cornell's role pivotal to the city's progress.

Cornell's remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. He is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma's Class 31, has been recognized as "Top 40 Under 40" by Oklahoma Magazine and the Oklahoma Journal Record, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham. Recently, Cornell was announced as a recipient of the Development Counsellors International (DCI) 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.