2022 SAIS Annual Conference Supporters

GOLD SPONSOR

ISM is dedicated to advancing school leadership to enrich the student experience. Rely on 45+ years of research, knowledge, and experience to strengthen your private school’s strategies and deliver your mission with excellence. Choose from 40+ virtual and in-person workshops and 50+ webinars each year to ensure you’re doing what’s best for your faculty, staff, students, and community. Develop new skills, explore research-based approaches, and feel confident in your role as a private school leader.

Websitewww.isminc.com/events
Contact: Aimee Gibison, Associations & Partnerships Manager, aimee@isminc.com

SILVER SPONSORS

CarterBaldwin Executive Search partners with independent K-12 schools to identity and recruit heads of school and other key leadership positions. Our level of service, relational and proactive approach, and commitment to excellence set us apart, and our results are effective and transformational for our clients.

Websitewww.carterbaldwin.com
Contact: Tatum Preston, Director of Research & Administration, tpreston@carterbaldwin.com

As the largest school uniform provider in the nation, over 2,000 top schools rely on DENNIS Uniform to design top-quality school uniforms and deliver best-in-class uniform programs. Every DENNIS product is backed by our 100% guarantee for life against manufacturing defects and guaranteed to withstand an entire year’s worth of wear and tear. Our uniforms are the best in the industry – designed in-house and manufactured with over 100 years’ experience.

Websitewww.dennisuniform.com
Contact: Mark Maloney, Director of Sales, mdm@dennisuniform.com

We customize the following services “exclusively” for private education: facilities management, custodial management, landscaping management, event set-ups and security services, all under one roof!

Websitewww.teamnational.com
Contact: Scott Hacker, Business Development Manager, shacker@teamnational.com

Southern Teachers is the premier agency for private schools in the South. We offer Teacher Placement, Head & Leadership Search, and Consulting services. Our mission is to serve our member schools so that they may offer the best possible education to their students.

Websitewww.southernteachers.com
Contact:
Carey Goodman, President, Goodman@SouthernTeachers.com

BRONZE SPONSORS

With four decades of experience, Carney Sandoe’s mission is to connect great educators and leaders with great schools. We are a faculty and staff recruitment, leadership search, and strategic consulting firm that works with independent schools and job seekers worldwide.

Driven by expert advocacy, lasting partnerships, and deep resources, Carney Sandoe partners with educators and leaders at all stages of the career journeys, and at all decision points in their schools’ trajectories, to ensure that independent schools – and the people who shape them – continue to thrive and serve the wider world.

Websitewww.carneysandoe.com
Contact:
Jonathan Ball, Managing Associate, jball@carneysandoe.com

Carr, Riggs & Ingram is a full service CPA firm offering audit, tax and consulting services to independent schools across our footprint from New Mexico to North Carolina, and Kentucky to Florida. Additionally, we offer services in investment advisory, Third-party benefit plan administration, payroll, data analytics, and other professional services through our CRI portfolio companies.

Website: CRIcpa.com
Contact:
Matt Gunning, Partner, mgunning@cricpa.com

CCS Fundraising understands the unique value proposition of an independent school education and the vital role that philanthropy plays in helping schools achieve their mission.

At CCS, we partner with schools as their trusted advisors and thought partners, working shoulder-to-shoulder with them to design and implement successfully the endowment, capital, and annual fundraising initiatives that help schools change lives.

Website: https://www.ccsfundraising.com/
Contact: Kurt McKinley, Corporate Vice President,  kmckinley@ccsfundraising.com

FACTS and FACTS Ed are committed to making educational dreams possible through service and technology. Combined, they serve more than three million students and families at over 11,500 schools. FACTS offers a comprehensive suite of services including tuition management, a student information system, payment administration and processing, financial needs assessment, admissions/enrollment solutions, and a fundraising and development platform. FACTS Ed’s services include professional learning and development, instructional services, title funding consultation, and a coaching program that uses video technology to help teachers develop their skills.

Websitewww.factsmgt.com
Contact: Jana Kane, Regional Vice President, jkane@factsmgt.com

The Fisher Phillips Education Practice Group handles a full panoply of employment and student matters for educational institutions, including providing cost-effective and pragmatic solutions. We understand the unique dynamics of academic decision-making and assist our clients in charting a course that advances their institutional goals

Websitewww.fisherphillips.com
Contact: Jennifer Carroll, Partner, jcarroll@fisherphillips.com

Flik Independent School Dining is a family-style company that strives to provide healthy, nutritious menus to school children and their communities. We are here to fuel students’ minds; both in and out of the dining hall. It is our mission to provide good, healthy, diverse menus that you will look forward to eating every day. Most importantly, we take great pride in knowing the significant role we play in students’ development from kindergarten through high school graduation. We treat every meal as a moment to eat, share, and connect.

Websitewww.flikisd.com
Contact: Christine McGoldrick, Business Development, christine.mcgoldrick@compass-usa.com

NWEA is a research-based, not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by creating assessment solutions that precisely measure growth and proficiency—and provide insights to help tailor instruction. Many students have been negatively impacted by school closures, and we’re here to help educators, parents, and students as they navigate on-site or remote learning.

Websitewww.nwea.org
Contact: Anna Mendez, Account Manager, anna.mendez@nwea.org

Resource Group 175 is an experienced team of former Heads of School and senior administrators with a respected track record of leadership. By combining proven search protocols and extensive experience with schools, we concentrate most of our energies on executive leadership and board governance, including head searches, administrative searches, strategic planning, and executive mentoring.

Websitewww.rg175.com
Contact: John Farber, Managing Director, jfarber@rg175.com

EXHIBITORS

Let us remove the administrative burdens that prevent your organization from being the best version of itself, so that you and your employees can focus on the real drivers of success. Our services include payroll/HRIS, benefits administration, HR support, regulatory compliance, and retirement plans.

Website: www.adamskeegan.com
Contact:
Gene Fidell, Regional President, gene.fidell@adamskeegan.com

Atlas is the leading curriculum planning platform trusted by over 6,000 schools around the world that provides seamless collaboration for teachers, administrators, and curriculum writers. Gain insight into curriculum data with intelligent reporting and analytics tools that help initiate, revamp, and refine your curriculum development process to facilitate cross-disciplinary integration and empower teachers to create lessons tied to units aligned to specific standards. Together with our integration partners, we offer schools a world-class software suite for meeting all their information management needs.  Inspire student success and an educational experience that helps your institution thrive. Atlas is part of Faria Education Group.

Website: www.onatlas.com
Contact: Kelby Zenor, VP of PD and Events, events@faria.org

Authentic Connections improves well-being in schools using a holistic approach, and cutting-edge scientific surveys. Their surveys assess mental health and modifiable aspects of personal and community life that can be targeted to improve well-being. Survey and analysis benefits include a customized list of top priorities, demographic breakdowns, benchmark capabilities, actionable findings, scientifically validated survey instruments, and expert services.

Websitewww.authconn.com
Contact: Harrison Tool, VP of Engagement, htool@authconn.com

Collins Cooper Carusi, a full service architecture firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, has been shaping communities for 30 years, creating places for people to connect, learn, worship, live, work and play.

Website: www.collinscoopercarusi.com
Contact: Fiona Grandowski, Principal, fgrandowski@collinscoopercarusi.com

Convergent Nonprofit Solutions specializes in feasibility studies and capital campaign management for schools and nonprofits nationwide. Our team of experienced fundraising professionals takes ownership of each campaign, helping your school meet your fundraising goal with minimal burden on your staff, board, and volunteers.

Website: www.convergentnonprofit.com
Contact: Mark Bergethon, Principal, mbergethon@convergentnonprofit.com

Creative Dining builds fresh, custom dining programs for independent schools. We know that dining is about much more than food. When we dine together, we foster and celebrate culture; we pull up a chair to share experiences and build community.

Website: www.creativedining.com
Contact: Susan Smith, Director of Business Development, ssmith@creativedining.com

With 160+ combined years of industry experience, we know what it takes to create that top-of-the-line lab you’re looking for. Whether you need to match an existing stain or need to impress incoming students and educators, our casework experts can deliver a custom laboratory solution to meet your exact requirements. And we’ll exceed your expectations – every time.

Websitewww.diversifiedcasework.com
Contact: John Walden, Region Manager, jwalden@DiversifiedCasework.com

For 37 years, Educational Directions has been supporting independent school leadership through Head of School search consulting, retained administrative search work, and providing the only comprehensive leadership openings for independent school leaders with The Blue Sheet and The Green Sheet.

Websitewww.edu-directions.com
Contact: Jerry Larson, Managing Partner, jlarson@edu-directions.com

ERB (Educational Records Bureau) is an industry-leading independent educational advisory. We thoughtfully track the entire student journey for grades 1-12 with our integrated suite of products and services to assess and enhance academic ability, social maturity, and emotional awareness. In doing so, we help enable schools, educators, and families to unlock their students’ full potential.

Websitewww.erblearn.com
Contact: Jason Lasnetski, Member Services Director, jlasnetski@erblearn.org

At the Enrollment Management Association, we believe the admissions practices of the past will not sustain the independent schools of the future. As schools broaden the scope of admission from recruiting & admitting students to a more comprehensive enrollment management model that encompasses all areas of the school, it is vital that all school leaders are aligned with the school’s enrollment goals. As a nonprofit, our mission is to provide professional support, advocacy, and smart, strategic enrollment tools to more than 1300 independent schools and organizations to help meet all of their enrollment management needs.

Websitewww.enrollment.org
Contact: Jim Daughdrill, Director of Business Development, jdaughdrill@enrollment.org

ExploreLearning® was founded in 1999 with a mission to improve student learning in math and science through best-in-class online solutions. Today, our award-winning products — Gizmos®, Reflex®, Frax®, and Science4Us®— are successfully used in every state and province and more than 80 countries around the world.

Website: www.explorelearning.com
Contact: Sophie Kiernan, Account Manager, sales@explorelearning.com

Finalsite is the premier provider of website, marketing, enrollment and communications software for schools. We make it easier to market your school, manage enrollment and communications, and strengthen your online presence—helping your school community to connect, engage, and thrive.

Website: www.finalsite.com
Contact: Lorrie Jackson, Educational Consultant, lorrie.jackson@finalsite.com

FlynnO’Hara Uniforms is a Philadelphia-based supplier and retailer of high-quality school uniforms, medical attire, and gym wear. We are family owned-and-operated, serving over 1500 schools across 38 states.

Websitewww.flynnohara.com
Contact: Barbara Cohen, Territory Manager GA, bcohen@flynnohara.com

At Heifer International, we believe that everyone deserves a future free from hunger and poverty. Our school resources help educators inspire students to change the world! With our NEW Read to Feed app, you can foster a love of reading and a passion to help others while allowing your students to explore their connections to people around our world.

Websitewww.heifer.org
Contact: Jen Girten, Mgr. Education Program Development, jen.girten@heifer.org

Hellas Construction is the complete, one-stop solution for sports construction, offering long-term durability and unparalleled customer commitment. Since the company’s inception, Hellas has managed to impact more than 5 million students across the nation. With clients ranging from elementary schools and local parks, to the Home of the Dallas Cowboys, Hellas Construction delivers on time, every time, for every client.

Websitewww.hellasconstruction.com
Contact: Ryne Drummonds, Business Development Manager, rdrummonds@hellasconstruction.com

The world’s leading marketing communications agency for independent and international schools.

Website: www.interactiveschools.com
Contact: David Long, VP, North America, david@interactiveschools.com

The Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University is dedicated to improving the quality of independent and international schools by developing and strengthening the leadership skills of teachers and administrators at every stage of their careers. Carefully structured programs provide enhanced learning that hones skills and philosophical approaches to leading and learning for teacher-leaders, mid-career administrators and heads of schools. Offerings include fully-funded fellowships, master’s degree programs, professional learning workshops, and research projects.

Websitewww.klingensteincenter.org
Contact: Latoya Allen, Associate Director of Admission & Enrollment, latoya.allen@tc.columbia.edu

Lands’ End School supplies high-quality uniform apparel and logo embroidery to over 5,000 schools across the US and worldwide. Supported by award-winning customer service and online ordering solutions, we are your source for uniforms parents trust and students love.

Websitewww.landsend.com/school
Contact: Kelly Powlas, Regional Account Manager, kelly.powlas@landsend.com

Innovative culinary management that provides delicious, healthy meals that match the excellence found in independent schools.

Websitewww.lexingtonindependents.com
Contact: Janet Schumacher, Business Development Director, janet.schumacher@elior-na.com, (412) 228-7573

Kids negotiate head to head, build products and P&L’s, pitch to investors, optimize factories, put their own money at risk, do messy science, and love every minute of it! 

An Executive MBA for kids: delivered by your teacher, using our software, in only thirty classroom hours. No subject matter expertise required.

Websitewww.middleschoolmba.com
Contact: John Foster, President, johnfoster26@yahoo.com

MMI Dining is a leader in the hospitality and dining service industry with over 50 years experience with a focus on K-12 schools.

Websitewww.mmidining.com
Contact: Joey Poole, Senior Director of Business Development, jpoole@mmihg.com

NOC has over 40 years of experience in facilitating group adventures. Whether your focus is leadership, environmental education, or just fun, NOC has a variety of group packages available to fit the needs and goals of your school group or our dedicated staff can customize the perfect trip or course. Choose from whitewater rafting, zip lining, ropes courses, team building activities, wilderness education, and so much more

Websitewww.noc.com
Contact: Rachel Quiggins, Group Sales Representative, rachel.quiggins@noc.com

As the largest association of independent schools, NAIS co-creates the future of education by uniting and empowering the independent school community. We do this through thought leadership, research, creation and curation of resources, and direct collaboration with education leaders.

Website: www.nais.org
Contact: Scott Donaldson, Member Engagement Manager, donaldson@nais.org

The world’s first Web3 virtual instruction provider, offering solutions that save schools time and money.

Website: www.optimaindependent.com
Contact: Alyssa Finneyfrock, Head of School, afinneyfrock@optimaed.com

We specialize in the design of people-oriented architecture, planning and interior design services.

Website: www.owp.com
Contact: Sarah Dexheimer, Principal, dexheimer.s@owp.com

Risse Brothers School Uniforms has 14 locations serving nearly 400 schools. Every Risse Brothers store is fully stocked year-round with merchandise for our schools, making it easy to provide the parents with a one-stop shopping experience for all their uniform needs. Additionally, Risse Brothers will partner with schools to provide convenient, in-school shopping days. The best way to make and keep a great relationship with a school is through great service—and that is exactly what you will get with Risse Brothers.

Websitewww.rissebrothers.com
Contact: Rob Risse, Owner, rob@rissebrothers.com

For over 30 years, SAGE Dining Services® has worked in partnership with independent schools throughout North America who share their passion for great food, nutrition, and sustainability. SAGE chefs tailor menus for each community and prepare meals from scratch. They pride themselves on financial transparency and invest in technology, talent, and training to provide unmatched customer satisfaction. SAGE’s unparalleled expertise in nutrition, sustainability, and culinary trends produces exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses, inspire minds, and foster community.

Websitewww.sagedining.com
Contact: James Leachman, Sales Account Executive, jleachman@sagedining.com

Offering more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university, SCAD is uniquely qualified to prepare talented students for professional, creative careers. In addition to stellar student programs, SCAD supports educators by providing opportunities for professional development in an inspiring community of artists, designers and talented faculty members through SCAD Educator Forum and Advanced Placement Institute.

Websitewww.scad.edu
Contact: Lara Langston, Director of Education Outreach, llangsto@scad.edu

School Growth helps you become the best version of you through training, planning, and support services to achieve your growth goals. Our services include executive coaching, strategic planning, leadership retreats, marketing & communication support, HR recruiting and development, and strategy implementation.

Websitewww.schoolgrowth.com
Contact: Scott Barron, Chief Reinvention Officer, scott@schoolgrowth.com

Great independent schools need great leaders. With decades of experience leading schools, we recruit and mentor the leaders your school deserves.

Website: www.educationgroup.com
Contact:
Katherine Stuart, President, katherine@educationgroup.com

The Social Institute (TSI) offers a gamified, online learning platform that empowers students to navigate their social world positively — including social media and technology — to fuel their health, happiness, and future success.

Websitewww.thesocialinstitute.com
Contact: Andrea Jenkins, Account Executive, andrea.jenkins@thesocialinst.com

TUIO is an online enrollment and tuition management system for schools and other childcare businesses.

Website: www.tuiopay.com
Contact:
Oren Katz, COO, oren@tuiopay.com

Tynker is the world’s leading PreK-12/AP creative coding platform, enabling students of all ages to learn to code with confidence. Tynker’s highly successful coding curriculum has been used by one in three U.S. K-8 schools, 100,000 schools globally, and over 60 million kids across 150 countries. We set students on a path to coding mastery!

Website: www.tynker.com/school
Contact:
Debra Simpson, Gulf Coast Account Manager, dsimpson@tynker.com

Utica National, a nationally recognized insurer, provides personal and commercial insurance. For over 45 years it has worked to keep kids and school staff safe through customized coverages. We work with you to manage risk and preserve your resources so you can do what you do so well, educate children. Security, Appreciation, Respect.

Website: www.uticanational.com
Contact:
Mike Centrone, Educational Institutions Segment Specialist, michael.centrone@uticanational.com

Vanderbilt’s Peabody College offers a blended (online and in-person) Master’s of Education in Independent School Leadership. Our 15 month, 30 credit part-time program consists of a diverse cohort of independent school professionals who are advancing in their careers, and who bring important perspectives grounded in real-world challenges. Our prescribed curriculum is intentionally designed to meet the professional needs of independent school practitioners. It is anchored in both foundational knowledge and core competencies of independent school leadership. Students will also complete an action research project to advance their leadership and scholarship.

Website: https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/programs/independent-school-leadership-med/
Contact:
Carrie Grimes, Director, Independent School Leadership Master’s Program, Vanderbilt University, carrie.m.grimes@vanderbilt.edu

Venable’s Independent School Law Practice represents schools nationwide. Aware of the impact culture has on the health and sustainability of the industry, this focused practice group provides advice consistent with a school’s mission and principles. We represent schools of all sizes, denominations, philosophies, and locations, helping them meet their ever-increasing challenges.

Website: www.venable.com
Contact:
Janice Gregerson, Counsel, jpgregerson@venable.com

Focused on best practices for educational facilities worldwide, VS develops adaptable, ergonomic, and sustainable furniture solutions which allow for the creation of flexible learning environments. At VS, we believe successful learning should balance the needs of the body, mind, and soul. We always encourage mobility and natural curiosity. From our fully-adjustable chairs to modular tables that encourage collaboration, we believe that learning is an active process. When students engage their senses while learning, the long-term benefits include a heightened focus, stronger motivation, and a sense of well-being.

Websitewww.vsamerica.com
Contact: Karina Kentsis, Territory Manager, k.kentsis@vsamerica.com

Wahsega offers a next-generation mass notification and safety IoT platform called Carina. The Carina platform protects people and buildings by linking device management with building intelligence all through a single dashboard. Through the use of Carina intelligent devices, you can get the message out to everyone in and around your building during an emergency. All Wahsega products are designed, developed and manufactured in the USA.

Websitewww.wahsega.com
Contact: Blake Harrie, Solutions Advisor, bharrie@wahsega.com

The Winkler Group is a full-service fundraising consulting firm specializing in capital campaigns, campaign studies, and strategic planning for nonprofits, independent schools, colleges, churches, hospitals, and ministries. With offices in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and and New York, we serve clients nationwide

Websitewww.winklergroup.com
Contact: Jessica Browning, Principal, Executive Vice President, jbrowning@winklergroup.com