Who We Are
Get to know the experienced professionals eager to help you branch out in retirement.
Robert Cornett, CFBS
President
Watching his father’s estate erode due to poor planning provided Robert Cornett all the inspiration he needed to pursue a career in financial services. He’s spent the last 40-plus years helping families avoid suffering that same fate — while also achieving the retirement they’ve always envisioned.
A financial professional who can offer insurance products and services, Robert began his career helping families and businesses preserve their wealth in cases of premature death or disability. He transitioned to income planning to help provide clients with a holistic approach to protecting their accumulation power through reduced longevity risk. A graduate of Southern Miss, Robert earned designation as a Certified Family Business Specialist (CFBS) from The American College and holds professional affiliations with the Society of Financial Services Professionals, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Southern Mississippi Estate Planning Council. He’s also been a featured speaker at several schools of medicine, including Johns Hopkins, LSU and Tulane.
Robert has called Hattiesburg, Mississippi, home for more than 45 years. He and his wife, Claire, have three children and two grandchildren. Outside of the office, Robert enjoys spending time at the Gulf of Mexico, riding horses through the Wyoming and Montana mountain ranges and working on the family tree farm, which has been passed down for four generations.
Kristine Brown
Director of Operations
One conversation was all founder Robert Cornett needed before hiring Kristine Brown, who, since 2017, has backed up her strong first impression with even mightier client care. Kristine is responsible for overseeing Cornett Group’s daily operations and client service efforts. She finds true joy in building meaningful relationships and witnessing the positive impact the firm can make on the lives of families in the community.
Kristine lives in Ellisville, Mississippi, with her husband, Darren. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys heading to Tennessee to spend time with her daughter, Casey, and son-in-law, Josh. Kristine’s other hobbies include traveling, serving in her church and spending time outdoors — jet skiing and riding the family’s Can-Am Spyder are two of her favorite activities.
Mary Claire Cornett
Agent
After watching her father serve countless families over the years and become an integral part of the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, community, Mary Claire was inspired to follow in his footsteps and join the family business. Her passion for providing a similar level of care and crafting proactive client solutions is testament to both his legacy and her dedication.
“It brings me great joy to know that I am a person my clients can count on throughout the ups and downs of life, both financially and personally,” Mary Claire says.
With more than five years of industry experience, Mary Claire holds life, health, accident, and property and casualty insurance licenses. Her previous stint as an account manager and customer service representative for an employee benefits group taught her the value of retaining happy, productive workers and how strong benefits packages play an essential role in that.
Before starting her professional journey, Mary Claire earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University in 2018.
A proud native of Hattiesburg, Mary Claire enjoys being part of the community, riding her American Quarter Horse, and spending time with Pendleton, her King Charles Cavalier (doubles as an office dog). When she isn’t helping clients, Mary Claire enjoys hiking, camping, and assisting various agricultural organizations in addition to riding horses and coaching 4-H horse judging teams.
Take the First Step Today
It’s never too early — or too late — to take control of your financial future so you can enjoy life on your terms. Get started today by scheduling a meeting.