2026 Will Hancock Unsung Hero Award Recipients

On behalf of the Awards Selection Committee, which is comprised of NBOA members, it is with great pleasure that we announce the 2026 recipients of the Will Hancock Unsung Hero Award, given to chief business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools. The award assists heads of school and others in recognizing the work of their business officers within the school community. Each recipient was given the award at a ceremony at their school presented to them by their Head of School.

Jennifer Cookston

Jennifer Cookston

Chief Financial Officer
Webb School of Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Susie Fiorello

Susie Fiorello

Director of Business and Finance
Paideia School
Atlanta, GA
Cyndi Ludwinski

Cyndi Ludwinski

Director of Finance and Administration
Miriam School and Learning Center
St. Louis, MO
Jeff Martin

Jeff Martin

Assistant Head of School for Business and Auxiliary Operations
Norfolk Academy
Norfolk, VA
Julaine McInnis

Julaine McInnis

Director of Finance and Operations
The Rashi School
Dedham, MA
Bob Nicholson

Bob Nicholson

Chief Operating Officer
Holy Trinity School
Richmond Hill, ON
William Potter

William A. Potter

Director of Finance and Operations
Waring School
Beverly, MA
Tim Rutherford

Tim Rutherford

Associate Head of School & Chief Operations Officer
Lakefield College School
Lakefield, ON
Cindy Stadulis

Cindy Stadulis

Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Austin, TX
Lori Weiland

Lori Weiland

Director of Finance
All Saints Day School
Carmel, CA