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Tuesday, June 23
 

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

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
 
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