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Tuesday, June 23
 

8:00am EDT

Light Breakfast
Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
A light conference breakfast will be available from 8-9 AM:

  • Yogurt | V, AVG
  • Whole Wheat English Muffin with Scrambled Cage-Free Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage, Provolone Cheese
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | AVG avoiding gluten


Other breakfast options include:

  • On-Site Restaurant: Fountainview (opens at 6:30 AM)
  • On-Site Starbucks/University Cafe (opens at 6AM)
  • Room Service (opens at 6AM)
  • Famous Toastery (8-min walk, opens at 7:30 AM)
  • Dunkin’ Donuts (8-min walk, opens at 5AM)


Tuesday June 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Lakeshore 3-4

9:00am EDT

Keynote | Leading Team & Others: A Proactive Approach to Leading From the Middle
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Stepping into leadership often marks an exciting time for an individual in their career growth and development. For many, it plays a pivotal role in determining whether to pursue a career in senior leadership. Almost always, entry into leadership reflects that an individual has excelled in their previous role, which may or may not engage the skillsets needed in their new role. This is a crucial detail that is often overlooked as individuals transition into leadership roles, particularly if they have been promoted from within. While the role of a middle manager can be challenging, engaging a proactive approach can shape skilled leaders who develop strong teams, effectively bridging the gap between strategic vision and implementation. Recognizing the inherent challenges of leading from the middle, this keynote will provide a road map to navigate the complexities of the role. We will examine three areas that often define one’s tenure in the role:
  1.  establishing team culture while navigating institutional culture,
  2. leading up and down, and
  3. managing conflict.
Attendees will walk away with knowledge and understanding of these complexities and theimportance of establishing a proactive approach.

Speakers
avatar for Nadia Johnson

Nadia Johnson

Founder, Small Axe Educational Consulting
Nadia Johnson draws on over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and organizational culture to help educational institutions and non-profits meet their strategic goals. Her work is grounded in the foundational beliefs that meaningful change happens at the systemic level... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

10:00am EDT

Beverage Break
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Stretch your legs, top off your cup, and get ready to be inspired!


Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

Leading Teams Through Change & Transition
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
This session provides tools for team sensemaking, adaptive leadership, and navigating resistance during transitions. Leaders will practice how to guide teams through uncertainty with clarity, empathy, and shared purpose.
Speakers
avatar for Brett Jacobsen

Brett Jacobsen

President, SAIS
Brett joined the SAIS team in July 2024, having most recently served as the chief executive officer at The Mount Vernon School in Atlanta. Since joining SAIS, he has overseen the launch of the Governance Health Index; enhanced data and benchmarking, including monthly pulse surveys... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Walden

10:30am EDT

Coaching & Feedback That Accelerate Growth
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Learn practical frameworks for giving feedback that motivates rather than overwhelms and coaching techniques that build capacity in every conversation. Participants will leave with a repeatable approach they can apply immediately with their teams.
Speakers
avatar for Imana Sherrill

Imana Sherrill

Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School
Imana A. Sherrill is a mission-driven educational leader and executive coach with 30+ years in independent schools, specializing in strategic planning, instructional leadership, DEI, and leadership development. She serves as head of school at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Burnham

12:00pm EDT

Lunch Buffet | South of the Border
Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
ENTREES
  • Lemon-Lime Chicken Breast, Chimichurri, Griddled Onions | AVG
  • Pork Carnitas, Roasted Plantains, Pickled Red Onions | AVG
SALAD BAR
  • Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Corn, Red Onions, Relish, Black Beans, Cucumber, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | Vg, AVG
  • Cotija Cheese, Chipotle Ranch Dressing | V, AVG
SIDES
  • Yellow Rice with Fresh Herbs, Peas, Tomatoes | Vg, AVG
  • Roasted Squash & Peppers with Cilantro, Lime | Vg, AVG
  • Black Beans | Vg, AVG
  • Tortillas (Flour | Vg) (Corn | Vg, AVG)
  • Pico de Gallo | Vg, AVG
  • Sour Cream | V, AVG
DESSERT
  • Caramel Flan | V
  • Sopapillas | V

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten


Tuesday June 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 3-4

1:00pm EDT

Panel Discussion | Leading Community
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Leadership doesn't happen in isolation: it lives in the relationships, conversations, and culture we build together. This panel brings together experienced school leaders to reflect on the intersection of people, change, and systems at the community level. Panelists will share candid insights on navigating complex challenges, sustaining culture, and leading with clarity and purpose. Come ready to ask questions and leave with fresh perspective for your own leadership journey.
Speakers
avatar for Kristen Klein

Kristen Klein

Associate Head of School, Durham Academy
Kristen is a seasoned independent school administrator and progressive educator with more than 23 years of experience and expertise in innovation, curriculum, change management and coaching. She is currently the associate head of school at Durham Academy in Durham, NC. Her interests... Read More →
avatar for Todd Ballaban

Todd Ballaban

Head of School, Charlotte Preparatory School
Todd Ballaban is proud to serve as head of school at Charlotte Prep. Previously, he led the middle school at Charlotte Latin School for eight years, where he drove enrollment growth and spearheaded major school-wide initiatives. Before moving to Charlotte, he held leadership and teaching... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Keaney

Stephanie Keaney

Executive Director, North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
For almost 30 years, Stephanie Keaney has been involved in independent school education. Stephanie is a highly relational leader committed to empowering those around her. She has held various positions in her career, from classroom teacher to state-level leader. She is currently the... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Nagel

Lisa Nagel

Head of School, Duke School
Lisa Nagel is an accomplished educational leader with nearly three decades in independent school leadership, including 14 years as head of school. She currently serves as head of school at Duke School in Durham, NC. Her work centers on the human dimensions of leadership—connection... Read More →
avatar for Michael Magno

Michael Magno

Associate Head of School, Providence Day School
Michael Magno has served as associate head of school at Providence Day School since 2024 and was assistant head of school for academic affairs for five years prior. In this role, he has overseen key aspects of the school’s bold strategic plan, 2030 & Beyond, in addition to leading... Read More →
avatar for Imana Sherrill

Imana Sherrill

Head of School, Trinity Episcopal School
Imana A. Sherrill is a mission-driven educational leader and executive coach with 30+ years in independent schools, specializing in strategic planning, instructional leadership, DEI, and leadership development. She serves as head of school at Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1-2

2:00pm EDT

Break & Snacks
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Time for a little afternoon pick-me-up!

  • White Cheddar Popcorn | V
  • Ms. Vickie's Baked Potato Chips | V
  • Pretzels | V
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Communicating Change to Build Trust & Alignment
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
This workshop focuses on crafting clear, transparent communication that builds understanding during moments of change. Participants will develop a messaging plan that strengthens trust across faculty, families, and students.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Renken

Maggie Renken

Consultant, Independent School Management
Maggie joined ISM in 2025 with a background that bridges research, classroom practice, and institutional leadership. She most recently served as director of modern learning at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia, where she led academic innovation and STEAM programming across all... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Walden

2:30pm EDT

Cultivating a Culture of Growth & Belonging
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Discover how to build a school environment where feedback, reflection, and professional growth are embedded into everyday interactions. This session explores practical strategies for strengthening belonging and creating the psychological safety necessary for a community to thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Meghan Fulton

Meghan Fulton

Director of Administrative Operations, Durham Academy
Meghan Fulton joined Durham Academy in 2017 as an athletic trainer. She was named assistant athletic director in 2019 and was asked to lead Durham Academy’s schoolwide Wellness Committee in 2021. After displaying strong organizational leadership in a variety of roles at DA, Meghan... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Klein

Kristen Klein

Associate Head of School, Durham Academy
Kristen is a seasoned independent school administrator and progressive educator with more than 23 years of experience and expertise in innovation, curriculum, change management and coaching. She is currently the associate head of school at Durham Academy in Durham, NC. Her interests... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Burnham

3:30pm EDT

Break & Snacks
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm EDT
You've been working hard. Time for a sweet treat!

  • Cookies | V
  • Coffee & Soda

V vegetarian | Vg vegan | AVG avoiding gluten

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

Future-Back Thinking for Strategic Leadership
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Use foresight tools to anticipate trends, clarify long-range direction, and make bold decisions with confidence. Participants will use scenario planning to stress test strategic vision over the next 1–3 years.
Speakers
avatar for Ann Marsh Rutledge

Ann Marsh Rutledge

Director of Strategic Design & Innovation, SAIS
Ann Marsh joined the SAIS staff in 2025. She previously served as the executive director of Mount Vernon Ventures, where she led Educational Consulting and Research & Development. Over the course of her 15-plus years in education, she has taught and tutored students in grades PK through... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Walden

3:45pm EDT

Designing Community-Wide Rhythms & Routines
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Explore how well-designed systems create belonging, predictability, and collaboration at the schoolwide level. Leaders will map out community rhythms that support engagement and reduce friction across divisions.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Nagel

Lisa Nagel

Head of School, Duke School
Lisa Nagel is an accomplished educational leader with nearly three decades in independent school leadership, including 14 years as head of school. She currently serves as head of school at Duke School in Durham, NC. Her work centers on the human dimensions of leadership—connection... Read More →
Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Keynes
 
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