Chris Gunnin

Chris Gunnin

Head of School

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Austin, TX

Chris joined St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in July 2016 as the 12th head of school. Chris comes to St. Stephen’s from Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, where he served as head of the Upper School from 2009 to 2016. Prior to joining Trinity Valley, he was head of the Upper School at St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, where he also taught English, coached track and field and cross country, and served as a junior and senior student advisor. Chris holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in teaching from Trinity University in San Antonio. Chris and his wife, Nancy, are parents to Ellie ’22, Cooper '24, and Addie, who attends Trinity Episcopal School.

Online Courses

Past Webinars

  • Enrollment Forecasting as a Strategic Financial Tool This item is protected

    May 8, 2026
    This webinar presents a strategic approach to enrollment forecasting that blends the enrollment team’s relational insights with financial analysis and data modeling. Learn how to strengthen projections using internal data alongside external signals.

  • There's More Room for Change Than You Think This item is protected

    April 24, 2026
    To stay competitive in today’s educational landscape, independent schools should modernize spaces by aligning with evolving pedagogical trends and technology advancements. Learn how existing spaces can be transformed to better serve a campus community.

  • Effortless Efficiency: Payroll to Performance This item is protected

    April 13, 2026
    Efficiency is paramount through the entire Human Resources function. In this webinar, HR leaders and business officers will explore how to streamline workforce management from payroll processing to performance evaluation.

  • Mission (and Margin) Possible: Leveraging Campus Assets This item is protected

    March 30, 2026
    From summer programs and rentals to strategic partnerships, schools can unlock new income streams. This webinar explores practical strategies to maximize underutilized assets, assess operational readiness, and design sustainable initiatives.

  • Blending Respect and Efficiency in the Business Office This item is protected

    February 20, 2026
    Join members of NBOA’s volunteer Human Resources Council for a practical discussion on strategies to safeguard your working hours without compromising collegial relationships —all while saving time.

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A research report analyzing trends across 18 key financial and operational indicators over five years. Use this report to benchmark performance, stress-test assumptions and make informed decisions, as external forces continue to challenge long-term financial sustainability.

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