Meredith Kirshenbaum

Meredith Kirshenbaum is a principal at Goldberg Kohn in the Labor & Employment and Litigation groups where she helps clients navigate labor and employment issues, litigation, and the challenges of commercial disputes. She represents employers in unfair labor practice charges and in other matters pending before the National Labor Relations Board. She counsels employers during union organizing campaigns, defends employer interests throughout the union-election process, and negotiates union contracts.

Mike Sullivan

Michael Sullivan is a principal at Goldberg Kohn and Chair of the Labor & Employment Group and a member of the Litigation Group. He advises employers on a wide variety of labor and employment law matters and litigates complicated business disputes. Sullivan has more than 30 years of experience counseling employers on sensible, best-practice labor and employment policies as well as in defending them in disputes with their employees.

Jason E. Tremblay

Jason Tremblay, partner, labor and employment vice chair at Saul Ewing LLP, advises clients across various industries, including K–12 independent and charter schools, on employment and commercial matters. He counsels on workplace issues such as wage and hour disputes, restrictive covenants, and statutory claims, and assists with employment agreements, contractor arrangements, and government audits. Tremblay also handles complex business litigation, including breach of contract, fiduciary duty claims, fraud, and shareholder disputes.

James P. Honan

James P. Honan is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also is a faculty member at the Harvard Kennedy School and serves on the faculty executive committee of Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative. Honan has served as a consultant on strategic planning, governance, and resource allocation to colleges, universities, schools, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. He holds a BA from Marist University, an MA from George Washington University, and an EdM and EdD from Harvard University.

Ben Ottenweller

Ben Ottenweller is head of school at The Stanley Clark School in South Bend (IN). Previously he spent 19 years at another ISACS school, The Canterbury School in Fort Wayne (IN), where he held various roles ranging from 4th grade teacher to middle school division head, high school division head, and assistant head of school. He has a degree in education from Indiana University, and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He has two sons in 6th and 3rd grades, who attend The Stanley Clark School, and he also comes home to multiple dogs.

Sarah Jacobson

Sarah Jacobson is head of school at Evansville Day School (IN). Previously, she was associate head for academics at Nichols School (NY) and a lead teacher at Founders Classical Academy in Austin (TX). Jacobson holds degrees in Classics and Spanish from Hendrix College, an MA from the University of Arizona, and completed doctoral coursework at Brown University and the University at Buffalo. After graduating from Hendrix, she was awarded a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to study the relationship between archaeology and national and ethnic identities. She has the pleasure of going to school each day with her 6th grade daughter and coming home to two dogs.

Andy Abbott

Andy Abbott supported school communities as a teacher, a coach, a principal, a director of college counseling, and an assistant head of school. Since 2009, he has served as head of school of John Burroughs School in St. Louis, Missouri. While continuing to teach, serve as an advisor, run the daily all-school assembly and even "work a lunch table," Abbott's tenure as head of school has been distinguished by transformational initiatives around DEI, faculty workload, campus improvements, and fiscal sustainability. After two capital campaigns and aggressive endowment growth under his leadership, he continues to serve as both a chief fundraiser and as a champion for constituent experience. Beyond Burroughs, he has recently served on the boards of ISACS and INDEX and is a member of the Heads Collegiate Forum.

Donna Harris

Donna Harris, EdD has served as president of Minnehaha Academy (MN), a PK–12 Christian school, since 2009. She began her education career as a teacher in the public schools before moving to independent school administration for the past 26 years. Harris presents on topics such as project-based learning, integration of technology, governance, strategic planning, leadership, and school improvement. She also is an adjunct professor at Baylor University in their Master's Degree School Leadership Program. Harris has served on nonprofit and independent school boards and has served as a trustee and chair of the ISACS board. Her strength of leadership came into play in 2017 when a deadly gas explosion at Minnehaha's upper campus rocked the Minnehaha community. Under the inspirational phrase, "Together We Rise," Harris led the rebuilding and restorative efforts that were completed in August 2019.

Torsie Judkins

Torsie Judkins is head of school at Wingra School, a progressive K–8 independent school in Madison (WI). With over 25 years of experience in independent schools, Judkins has served as a teacher, coach, administrator, and leader at Durham Academy (NC), Rye Country Day (NY), The International School of Brooklyn (NY) and Moravian Academy (PA). A proud graduate of an independent school, his journey has been shaped by the impact of mentorship, financial aid, and representation. He has been an advocate for building inclusive, student-centered learning communities and supporting the advancement of leaders of color in predominantly white institutions. He is a doctoral candidate in educational leadership, with a dissertation focus on the academic and social experiences of African American students in independent schools.

Sarah Prevette

Sarah Prevette has developed transformational strategy for some of North America's biggest business leaders and renowned brands. Globally recognized for her work in human centered design and entrepreneurship, she is proud to work alongside an incredible team of educators to drive innovation inside schools. Prevette's organization, Future Design School, provides world-class strategy development, professional training programs, and resources that empower effective leadership and personalized learning.

Sandra Nagy

Sandra Nagy is a seasoned strategist and innovation leader with 25+ years of experience driving organizational transformation. A trusted partner to school leaders worldwide, she has designed and delivered impactful learning experiences for thousands of educators and employees. Nagy leads the education practice at Future Design School, forging strong academic partnerships to drive strategic education priorities, while leading a team that designs impactful professional learning and student programs.

Debra Wilson

Debra Wilson began her tenure as president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in August 2023. Previously, she served as president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Her SAIS role followed 19 years at NAIS, as assistant director of regulatory affairs and later as general counsel. She has served on several independent school and educational nonprofit boards and co-authored the NAIS Trustee Handbook (10th & 11th editions). Wilson received a BA from Sewanee: The University of the South and a JD from the University of South Carolina.

James P. Honan

James P. Honan is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is also a faculty member at the Harvard Kennedy School and serves on the faculty executive committee of Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative. Honan has served as a consultant on strategic planning, governance, and resource allocation to colleges, universities, schools, foundations, and nonprofit organizations. He holds a BA from Marist University, an MA from George Washington University, and an EdM and EdD from Harvard University.

Meghan Davison

Meghan Davison serves as executive vice president at CCS Fundraising. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit consultation and campaign management, she has advanced projects with aggregate fundraising targets exceeding $1 billion. Davison leverages her expertise of the philanthropic landscape to foster strategic partnerships with education institutions across the central U.S. and is passionate about leveraging innovation and analysis to drive tailored solutions. She specializes in strategic planning, major gift program management, data analytics, and campaign communication.

Bob Weston

Bob Weston serves as senior vice president and independent schools practice lead at CCS Fundraising, with three decades in the independent school sector. An educator, administrator, and advancement professional, Weston has directed transformative fundraising initiatives—from $5 million to over $100 million—and advised on strategic planning, endowment growth, and donor engagement. His expertise and understanding of independent school values have elevated philanthropic outcomes and advanced institutional missions nationwide.

Georgy Ann Peluchiwski

Georgy Ann Peluchiwski is a partner at Greenwich Leadership Partners with decades of experience in financial services, nonprofit board service, strategic planning, organization design, enterprise risk management, and independent school leadership. Within her 12-year tenure as a trustee at the Latin School of Chicago, she served as board chair, treasurer, and chair of the finance committee. Currently, she co-chairs Latin's Senior Advisory Council and serves on the boards of the Independent School Chairperson's Association and High Jump Chicago.

Stephanie Rogen

Stephanie Rogen, principal and founder of Greenwich Leadership Partners, is a consultant, coach, and facilitator to educational and nonprofit boards and leaders. Rogen works with nonprofits ranging from Columbia University to The White House Project and Northwell Health and is a guest lecturer at the UPenn Graduate School of Education. She is a trustee for College Unbound and has served on the boards of the HTH Graduate School of Education, Blair Academy, St. Luke's School, Year Up, and the Greenwich United Way.

Amada Torres

Amada Torres is the vice president of studies, insights, and research at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) where she researches and reports on market and socioeconomic trends, governance and leadership, community well-being, diversity, and other studies of interest to NAIS schools. As a contributor to the NAIS Trendbook, she speaks on issues and trends related to independent education, financial sustainability, admissions and marketing, and advocacy. Torres serves as a trustee of Keys School, Tessa International School, and the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals.

Georgy Ann Peluchiwski

Georgy Ann Peluchiwski is a partner at Greenwich Leadership Partners with decades of experience in financial services, nonprofit board service, strategic planning, organization design, enterprise risk management, and independent school leadership. Within her 12-year tenure as a trustee at the Latin School of Chicago, she served as board chair, treasurer, and chair of the finance committee. Currently, she co-chairs Latin's Senior Advisory Council and serves on the boards of the Independent School Chairperson's Association and High Jump Chicago.

Stephanie Rogen

Stephanie Rogen, principal and founder of Greenwich Leadership Partners, is a consultant, coach, and facilitator to educational and nonprofit boards and leaders. Rogen works with nonprofits ranging from Columbia University to The White House Project and Northwell Health and is a guest lecturer at the UPenn Graduate School of Education. She is a trustee for College Unbound and has served on the boards of the HTH Graduate School of Education, Blair Academy, St. Luke's School, Year Up, and the Greenwich United Way.

Megan Mann

Megan Mann launched Approach in 2024, drawing on over 17 years working in the legal, nonprofit and education sectors. Her work focuses on administrative and governance leadership levels as well as faculty professional development. Previously the general counsel and vice president of legal education and support at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), she managed intricate legal, crisis, and risk management matters, providing valuable consultation and educational support to member schools. She is an independent school alum, parent, and trustee.

Greg Bamford

Greg Bamford is a co-founder and partner of Leadership+Design. Previously he was associate head of school for strategy and innovation at Charles Wright Academy and head of school at Watershed School. In addition, Bamford recently completed two terms on the board of his alma mater, The Overlake School. He brings a strategic lens to leadership development, innovation, and change management. Bamford has been a speaker at conferences, and his writing has appeared in publications such as Independent School, Net Assets, and The Yield.

Lynn Wendell

Lynn Wendell has worked as a consultant for well over 150 independent schools and nonprofits. She served as a trustee at three independent schools and as board chair at San Francisco University High School. In addition, she is currently co-chair of the program committee and on the executive committee of Independent Schools Chairpersons Association (ISCA). She has served on nonprofit boards, board committees, and advisory councils.

Antonio Viva

Antonio Viva is a partner at Leadership+Design. He is a seasoned educator, experience designer, strategic advisor, and nonprofit leader. He served as the head of school at Walnut Hill School for the Arts for 12 years. He also served as senior research and design associate for the Education Development Center, Inc. where he worked on national school design projects. Previously, he was the executive director of Artisans Asylum in Boston, MA, one of the oldest and largest makerspaces in the US. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Union College in English and Education respectively.