2025–2026
The Trustee Series
The Trustee Series is a year-long program offering ten salient webinars tailor-made for independent school trustees & heads.
Dates & Topics
Independent School Trends Trustees Will Navigate This Year
with Debra Wilson
Debra Wilson, NAIS President, highlights and expands on the influences and data directions impacting independent schools.
Recording available until: 6/30/26 | Original Presentation: 9/18/25
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Strategic Financial Planning for Trustees
with James P. Honan
From an expert in the financial management of independent schools, explore the knowledge, skills, and capacities trustees of independent schools need to ensure their schools will be financially sustainable. During this webinar, we will examine key issues and challenges trustees face as they govern for financial sustainability, and we will also discuss specific strategies and approaches for such work.
Recording available until: 6/30/2026 | Original Presentation: 10/16/25
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Empowering Independent School Trustees: Current Trends, Culture & Campaigns
with Meghan Davison & Bob Weston
How are independent schools navigating the evolving philanthropic landscape? Review fundraising trends and their impact on independent schools. Gain practical insights on how boards can effectively contribute to fundraising efforts, from annual funds to capital campaigns, by building a meaningful culture of philanthropy. Learn best practices for leveraging three key fundraising tools as trustees: analyzing the giving landscape, fostering a culture of philanthropy, and preparing for and executing successful campaigns.
Recording available until: 6/30/26 | Original Presentation: 11/20/25
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Board Chair Roundtable I
with Georgy Ann Peluchiwski & Stephanie Rogen
For current & incoming board chairs only.
A facilitated conversation on the issues confronting board chairs.
Board Chair Roundtables are not recorded.
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.
Navigating the Future: Key Trends Impacting Independent Schools
with Amada Torres
This webinar explores the key trends reshaping the landscape of independent education—from economic shifts and demographic changes to evolving admissions strategies, philanthropy, workforce dynamics, and the head-board relationship. Designed specifically for trustees, this session will equip you with timely insights and practical knowledge to help your institution navigate change and lead with confidence.
Recording available until: 6/30/26 | Original Presentation: 1/22/26
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Everyday Succession Planning: Resilience for Leadership Transition
with Georgy Ann Peluchiwski & Stephanie Rogen
Boards that deliberately and continuously succession plan are prepared and ready for transitions because they have a firm handle on the leadership capabilities needed for a thriving organization. However, we believe succession planning is perhaps the most underdeveloped muscle in school governance. Join us for a discussion of approaches and practices to everyday succession planning.
Recording available until: 6/30/26 | Original Presentation: 2/12/26
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
From the Classroom to Courtroom: Hot Legal Topics & Governance Trends for Trustees
with Megan Mann
Drawing on industry research and real-world experiences, Mann will share insights from her work with independent schools nationwide on governance, leadership development, legal education, and risk and crisis management. From enrollment agreement pitfalls to leadership successes, this webinar provides a platform for exploring critical issues, sharing strategies, and fostering community learning to equip schools for the road ahead.
Recording available until: 6/30/26 | Original Presentation: 3/5/26
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
The Year Before the Strategic Plan
with Greg Bamford
Thursday, April 30 | 3–4 p.m. CT / 4–5 p.m. ET
How can trustees and heads anticipate beginning a strategic plan—before the planning starts? This session is for the year(s) before strategic planning—as you assess your school's readiness for strategic work, wrangle with the complexities of timing, build shared understanding with your community, and frame the questions that will matter for the future. We'll consider five critical conversations to have before ever reaching out to prospective consultants—or deciding to go it alone.
Recording will be available until: 6/30/26
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Board Chair Roundtable II:
Being the Board Chair Your Board Needs
with Lynn Wendell
Thursday, May 7 | 3–4 p.m. CT / 4–5 p.m. ET
For current & incoming board chairs only.
As board chair, you bring to the role unique background, skills, and experiences that you hope (fingers crossed!) will help you lead your board well. Sometimes, we find ourselves facing unexpected or unusual circumstances for which we may feel wholly unprepared. How can you, as chair, step back to recognize what your board needs from you during those times? And what can you do to equip yourself to meet those needs?
Board Chair Roundtables are not recorded.
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.
Design Levers for Effective Change
with Antonio Viva
Thursday, May 14 | 3–4 p.m. CT / 4–5 p.m. ET
Trustees are charged with driving strategic change. Yet any school's history will include successful change initiatives and others that failed to thrive. This session examines stages of change and levers leaders can apply when implementing strategic changes. We'll explore how to examine the environment and community readiness for change as well as the groundwork needed prior to getting started. Learn, as change unfolds, how to monitor successes and barriers. Even as the new status is accepted and established, how does that new status become the foundation for further growth?
Recording will be available until: 6/30/26
Recordings & resources are accessed through your Trustee Series Zoom Lobby
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.
Enrollment
Fee
Non-Members*
$700 per school
ISACS Members
$600 per school
($100 Savings)
When you enroll in this webinar series, your purchase covers all of your school's trustees & your head of school —for the entire year. Once you complete your purchase, you'll receive a Zoom registration link for your school. Share it with anyone who wants to attend. Each person will need to register on Zoom using that link (at no cost) to receive their access information for the recording.
One person enrolls on behalf of the school
so that
each person at your school
can then register individually on Zoom.
*Members of ACIS, HAIS, ISAS, NYSAIS, PAIS
If your school is a member of any of the following associations, please register for the Parent Series through your association's website in order to receive the ISACS member rate:
Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS)
Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (ADVIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS)
New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)
If you have any questions, please contact your school's association directly.