CarterBaldwin is ranked among the Top 40 executive search firms in the United States and has been recognized on multiple occasions by Forbes Magazine as one of the country’s “Best Recruiting Firms.” CarterBaldwin practice leaders average over 20 years of executive search experience and work with the world’s most prominent organizations. 65% of our search work is corporate, chief executive officers, and the executives that lead companies generally sized from $200M – $5B in revenue, and 35% of our work is in the nonprofit and academic sectors. With offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C., CarterBaldwin employs more than 30 associates who conduct searches domestically and internationally.CarterBaldwin’s education practice helps the world’s leading organizations and institutions build exceptional leadership teams to fulfill their missions. We’ve completed more than 200 executive placements in higher education, K-12 schools, foundations, and nonprofit organizations in the last five years.
Website: www.carterbaldwin.comContact: Jack Hall, Search Consultant, jhall@carterbaldwin.com
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.
Website: www.isminc.com/eventsContact: Aimee Gibison, Associations & Partnerships Manager, aimee@isminc.com
With more than 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, strategic consulting, and coaching and mentoring firm that works with independent schools and job seekers worldwide.
Website: www.carneysandoe.comContact: Jonathan Ball, Director of External Relations & Strategic Partnerships, jball@carneysandoe.com
Established in 1920 in Portland, Oregon, 2020 marked a century of expertise for DENNIS Uniform. After more than 100 years in business in ever-changing times, we’ve earned our title as uniform experts! Over 2,000 top schools rely on DENNIS to design best-in-class programs delivering comfortable and durable uniforms for students across the nation.
Website: www.dennisuniform.comContact: Juvina Ortega-Fehr, Marketing Coordinator, jso@dennisuniform.com
Southern Teachers is the premier agency for private and independent schools in the South. We offer Teacher Recruitment, Head & Leadership Search, and Consulting Services. Our mission is to support our member schools so that they may offer the best possible education to their students.
Website: www.southernteachers.comContact: Carey Goodman, President, goodman@southernteachers.com
Launched in 2017, Big Back Pack specializes in leadership search consulting, comprehensive advancement assessments, and staff development for the country’s premier independent schools.
Website: www.bigbackpack.comContact: Hacker Burr, President & Managing Director, hacker@bigbackpack.org
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: www.cricpa.comContact: Aileen Bolger, Partner, abolger@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: www.ccsfundraising.comContact: Kurt McKinley, Senior Vice President, kmckinley@ccsfundraising.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.
Website: www.erblearn.orgContact: Lisa Stern, Member Services Director, lstern@erblearn.org
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.
Website: www.factsmgt.comContact: Jana Kane, Regional Vice President, jkane@factsmgt.com
For over 25 years, the attorneys on the Fisher Phillips Education Industry Team have been servicing independent schools and educational institutions of all types in student, workplace, and governance-related matters. Whether providing training and advice, handling administrative charges, or defending litigation or appeals, our lawyers provide practical solutions to achieve the best possible results.
Website: www.fisherphillips.comContact: Jennifer Carroll, Partner, jcarroll@fisherphillips.com
Started by Rudi and Julie Flik over 50 years ago, Flik Independent School Dining serves over 285 private and independent schools across the country. Not a cookie cutter approach we specialize in providing design services, DEI solutions, diverse catering services and technology to maximize the student and community experience.
Website: www.flikisd.comContact: Christine McGoldrick, Business Development, christine.mcgoldrick@compass-usa.com
Interim assessments for K-12 students in reading, math and science. Reading fluency program for grades K-5 and math differentiation for grades 3-8. Professional learning services for teachers.
Website: www.nwea.orgContact: Anna Mendez, Account Manager, anna.mendez@nwea.org
12M and Ed Tech Recruiting is a search consulting firm with expertise in executive and leadership hiring for all areas of the head’s cabinet, including: technology and innovation, finance and operations, admission and advancement, and academic and student support. We are engaged most often by mission-aligned organizations to support thoughtful, intentional, and inclusive searches for a specific leadership opening. As part of each search, we help define not just the position but also a hiring strategy and forward-thinking vision for the role.
Website: www.edtechrecruiting.comContact: Gabe Lucas, Principal, gabe@edtechrecruiting.com
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.
Website: www.authconn.comContact: Harrison Tool, VP of Engagement, htool@authconn.com
Hand Crafted pewter item for awards, recognition, and service awards.
Website: www.camelotpewter.comContact: Anthony Berry, President, anthony@camelotpewter.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. Architecture, Interior Design, Programming, Space Planning & Master Planning.
Website: www.collinscoopercarusi.comContact: Fiona Grandowski, Principal, fgrandowski@collinscoopercarusi.com
Celebrating the future. The Cooper Carry K-12 Studio builds the future through learning environment design.
We know the design of physical environments, from big ideas to small details, can either detract from or supercharge children’s learning and feelings of agency and belonging. We celebrate the unique experiences of learning by designing environments that honor children, and those dedicated to their success, so that all feel seen and empowered to make meaningful progress.
Website: www.coopercarry.comContact: Ashley Thurman, Studio Administrator, ashleythurman@coopercarry.com
At Creative Dining, our approach is about trust, transparency, and forming a genuine, mutually beneficial partnership with you. We build fresh, custom dining programs for independent schools. We know that dining is about much more than the food. When we dine together, we foster and celebrate culture; we pull up a chair to share experiences and build community.
Operating with integrity and value alignment is central to who we are as a company. We don’t hide fees or pad invoices. We operate within your organization in a unique way by blending seamlessly with your brand and community and act as an extension of you.
Website: www.creativedining.comContact: Susan Smith, Director of Business Development, ssmith@creativedining.com
Diversified Casework creates high-quality laboratory grade furniture for the lab and science markets, offering SEFA-tested and MAS certified casework. We’ve been trusted for over 40 years to design and manufacture safe and engaging labs for all education levels.
Website: www.diversifiedcasework.comContact: John Walden, Region Manager, jwalden@diversifiedcasework.com
Search services, leadership consulting, and placement customized to your school. Great independent schools need great leaders. With decades of experience leading schools, we recruit and mentor the leaders your school deserves.
Website: www.educationgroup.comContact: Katherine Stuart, President, katherine@educationgroup.com
Elevate provides independent schools with a curriculum mapping software that enhances transparency, alignment, and streamlines the process of reaccreditation. The software offers parents and prospective parents a clear understanding of the curriculum, while also helping organizations align their current and future goals for each course. In addition, Elevate assists new teachers in getting familiar with course fundamentals while maintaining autonomy, in line with the values of independent schools.
Website: www.elevate-mapping.ioContact: Rafael Heard, Owner, rafael.heard@stakk.io
Finalsite is the premier provider of website, marketing, enrollment and communications software for 700+ NAIS member schools. With a 96% retention rate and 98% client satisfaction score, Finalsite makes it easier to market your school, manage enrollment and strengthen your online presence.
Website: www.finalsite.comContact: Lorrie Jackson, Educational Sales Consultant, lorrie.jackson@finalsite.com
Flynn O’Hara Uniforms is the largest privately-owned supplier and retailer of high-quality school uniforms, gym wear, and medical attire in the United States. Since 1972 we have remained family-owned-and-operated, providing industry-leading quality and customer support to over half a million students each year.
Website: www.flynnohara.comContact: Barbara Cohen, Territory Manager, bcohen@flynnohara.com
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Our educational resources motivate students to explore their global connections and create a better world. Find out how to access FREE lesson plans, activities and resources for read-a-thons and fundraisers that help struggling families improve nutrition and income.
Website: www.heifer.org/schoolsContact: Jen Girten, Manager of 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.
Website: www.hellasconstruction.comContact: Knute O’Donnell, Tradeshow Manager, kodonnell@hellasconstruction.com
The Premier Life Skills University where every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.
Website: www.highpoint.eduContact: Dr. Stephen Denny, Director of Special Projects, sdenny@highpoint.edu
ISCA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support independent school board chairs in their board leadership role by providing education, training, resources, support, mentoring and a robust peer network.
Website: www.iscachairs.orgContact: Bethany Di Napoli, Executive Director, bethany@iscachairs.org
IndySchool Consultancy is a full-service independent school firm that specializes in leadership and head of school searches, strategic planning and institutional assessments using our Insight-CQ model.
Website: www.indyschoolconsultancy.comContact: Tim Viands, President, tim@indyschoolconsultancy.com
Kids First Education is committed to placing KIDS first and providing the highest quality of teaching and learning solutions in the industry. We are a service company and we customize for each district based on their needs and budget. We provide coaching in all areas and high-quality tools to address needs in independent schools K-12. Our name is our mission and our mission is Kids First. Please contact us to see how we can help you.
Website: www.kidsfirst.llcContact: Marvin Lishman, Kids First Executive Director of Independent Schools, marvinlishman@kidsfirst.llc
The Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University provides master’s degree programs, fellowships, professional learning, and research to support emerging and established leaders in independent and international schools.
Website: www.klingensteincenter.orgContact: Latoya Allen, Associate Director, 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.
Website: www.landsend.comContact: Ashlie Wilson, Sales, ashlie.wilson@landsend.com
Innovative culinary management that provides delicious, healthy meals that match the excellence found in Independent Schools. We provide campus dining programs to fuel students as they pursue the experiences that will help shape their future and nourish the faculty and staff who guide them. At Lexington Independents, we accomplish it all in the way we know best – by following an authentic recipe. For us, it’s culinary innovation, exemplary service and strong local teams supported by global resources.
Website: www.lexingtonindependents.comContact: Mark Turner, Senior Director of Business Development, mark.turner@elior-na.com
Magnus Health is the leading web-based provider of Student Health Records software that allows private K-12 schools up to small universities the ability to digitally collect all health related medical information such as immunization, allergy/emergency action plans, physical forms, and more. Magnus significantly reduces liability by ensuring compliance, being prepared for emergencies with our mobile app – all while following HIPAA and FERPA regulations with white-glove support for staff and families.
Website: www.magnushealth.comContact: Kristen Power, Head of Sales, kristen.power@magnushealth.com
An industry leader in the planning and design of educational facilities, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture is a trusted advisor to K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions across the Southeast. Our breadth of experience encompasses a variety of complex new construction, renovations, Indefinite Delivery Contracts, and additions—often under tight schedules and budget requirements. We partner with school boards, administrators, and the community to create high-quality, effective learning environments that enhance the student and staff experience through innovation and design excellence.
Website: www.mcmillanpazdansmith.comContact: Cary Perkins, Principal / Director of Design Engagement, cperkins@mcmillanpazdansmith.com
As the largest association of independent schools, NAIS offers an unparalleled breadth of resources that can help everyone at independent schools see the bigger picture – providing invaluable context for making big decisions.
Being a part of the NAIS community helps schools connect nationally and internationally to find ideas and solutions to pressing problems. Schools are also able to stay on the cutting edge of what the most innovative schools across the country are doing, and keep a pulse on emerging trends in our industry.
Website: www.nais.orgContact: Scott Donaldson, Member Engagement Manager, donaldson@nais.org
Nantahala Outdoor Center 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 trip options available to fit the needs and goals of your school group. Choose from a day trip to one of our six southeastern rivers or an overnight trip to our Nantahala River Campus. Our dedicated group staff will customize the perfect trip for your group- from whitewater rafting, zip lining, team building activities, wilderness education, and so much more.
Website: www.noc.comContact: Liz Hoekwater, Sales Director, liz.hoekwater@noc.com
We provide custom backcountry trips for school groups. From backpacking to paddling lakes and whitewater, we offer students the chance to experience personal growth in the outdoors. We balance the experience of learning technical outdoor skills for living safely and comfortably in the backcountry with the delivery of our trademark Leadership Curriculum that involves lessons that allow students to reflect on their emotional intelligence, active listening skills, teamwork, and clear communication. Through these trips, students grow in their confidence and resilience, all while building strong bonds with their classmates.
Website: www.ncoae.comContact: Cameron Francisco, Associate Director of Outdoor Education, cam@ncoae.org
We are dedicated to forging partnerships with independent schools nationwide to catalyze student learning and teacher development. Anchored in research that affirms learning as a social, communal activity – and our easy-to-use platform empowers teachers to embark on enriching journeys WITH their students, yet unconstrained by time and distance. Optima has developed the most extensive immersive Web 3.0 educational content library in existence, and our platform provides teachers with a full range of classroom management tools to guide productive and efficient student learning experiences. Our goal is simple – we want to bring web 3.0 to your fingertips and equip educators with the resources to excel in their craft and do what they do best – inspire the next generation.
Website: www.optimaindependent.comContact: Alyssa Finneyfrock, Head of Optima Independent, afinneyfrock@optimaed.com
We specialize in the design of people-oriented architecture, planning and interior design services.
Website: www.owp.comContact: Sarah Dexheimer, Principal, dexheimer.s@owp.com
The Origins Program offers a robust collection of teaching and learning resources to support students, educators, schools, and districts in achieving cultural equity, social and emotional competencies and academic excellence.
Our approach, Developmental Designs, is a set of research based, developmentally responsive teaching strategies that assist students in advancing their Social Emotional Academic Learning S.E.A.L.® These strategies encompass a personalized relationship-based learning approach to help educators better connect with students and parents, leverage their specific strengths, and address student needs.
Website: www.originsonline.orgContact: Sarah Biros, Communications, sarah@originsonline.org
Pixevety is a leading privacy-by-design media management platform and mobile app that provides consent-driven sharing and connectivity for schools and parents. Manage your vast and growing media collections with our bulk upload tools. Spend more time enjoying and less time organizing with our virtual archivist tools. Get the privacy protection you need when taking, storing and sharing children’s photos within your private trusted community to build amazing collections over time. Get school media off personal devices & stored locally for easy central access & management by staff. With cutting-edge technology and a built-in online photo consent module, pixevety protects schools and their communities.
Website: www.pixevety.comContact: Michael Dowling, President, mike.dowling@pixevety.com
Psychemedics partners with Independent schools across the nation to implement meaningful health & wellness programs, utilizing drug testing. As the pioneer and world leader in hair drug testing, we are committed to helping schools save lives and ensure futures.
Website: www.psychemedics.comContact: Wil Elder, Director of Education, wile@psychemedics.com
Rhodes Branding is a strategic marketing communications firm exclusively serving K-12 education. So much of where you end up in life is determined by where you went to school, which is why we’re incredibly proud to shape the brands that define these schools. How do you measure the impact of engaging with a firm like Rhodes Branding? Our answer is straightforward: accelerate positive impacts on the most critical metrics. After discovering the most important areas of your organization, we get to work. Through continuous monitoring, adjusting, and reporting, we leave little room for chance when it comes to winning for your students and community.
Website: www.rhodesbranding.comContact: Blake Sherman, Director of Client Growth, blake@rhodesbranding.com
For three decades, SAGE Dining Services® has been defining the standard in food service for independent schools and colleges throughout North America. SAGE’s unparalleled expertise in nutrition, culinary trends, and community involvement produces exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses, inspire minds, and foster community.
Website: www.sagedining.comContact: James Leachman, Sales Account Executive, jleachman@sagedining.com
The School Planner Company is focused on creating mindful learners one student planner at a time. Giving students the gift of self confidence. Empowering your unique school community with customizable resources that encourage mindfulness and establish a foundation of student organization.
Website: www.schoolplanner.comContact: Luke Madden, Office & Marketing Coordinator, lmadden@mimeo.com
School uniforms with a modern design, featuring high quality, easy care at an affordable price.
Website: www.globalschoolwear.comContact: Ford Jones, Regional Manager, ford@globalschoolwear.com
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.comContact: Janice Gregerson, Counsel, jpgregerson@venable.com
Veracross is the one-person, one-record school management platform for K-12 private and independent schools. With our single-record database, the Veracross platform enables schools to access one shared source of truth to provide the data schools need, anytime, anywhere. More than 3000 private and independent schools in more than 60 countries run on Veracross solutions to support improved communication, enhanced learning, and a unified school experience.
Website: www.veracross.comContact: Jason Mitan, Enterprise Account Executive, jason.mitan@veracross.com
VS America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of educational furniture. 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.
Website: www.vsamerica.comContact: Karina Kentsis, Southeast Territory Manager, k.kentsis@vsamerica.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
Website: www.winklergroup.comContact: Jessica Browning, Principal, Executive Vice President, jbrowning@winklergroup.com
Yay Lunch provides an end-to-end dining service that is free for schools, easy for parents and deliciously nutritious for students and faculty. We develop custom programs with a focus on providing real food, made fresh daily from local food partners.
Website: www.yaylunch.comContact: Daniel Klein, Senior Manager of Growth Enablement, daniel@yaylunch.com
