Independent school administrators are often asked to do more with less — by modernizing systems, managing risk, supporting equity and so much more — all while keeping schools running smoothly. The 2025 NBOA Professional Achievement Award recipients, which were recognized by their schools late last calendar year, have demonstrated excellence in this regard. The NBOA Professional Achievement Award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by independent school business, finance and operations staff who are not business officers.
The following examples, taken directly from nominator submissions for this year’s award recipients, highlight exemplary leadership across facilities, IT, business operations, human resources and auxiliary programs.
1. How They Found Cost Savings
James Barciszewski, longtime facilities director at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS ), conducts rigorous competitive bidding for projects.
At The Walden School, IT Director Lee Cochran secured E‑Rate funding for nearly half of the school’s network infrastructure. Since 2019, this strategy has saved Walden more than $40,000 in capital costs, with an additional $14,000 in annual savings by funding both internet service and a redundant system.
Reid Henry, assistant business manager at The Gunston School, collaborated with faculty to select textbooks and classroom. Her efforts have streamlined purchasing, improved transparency and ensured academic needs are met efficiently.
James Barciszewski
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Role: Director of Facilities
School: Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School, St. Louis, MO
Years at School: 44
Fun Fact: Barciszewski played a key role in the 1992 merger with Saint Louis Country Day School, taking on the combined responsibilities of both facilities directors and helping establish the new, unified campus.
2. How Their Long-Term Thinking Advanced School Strategy
Barciszewski spearheaded an engineering audit cataloging every asset on campus, its useful life, and its replacement schedule. The resulting database continues to guide capital planning and budget decisions. He also serves on multiple construction committees, shaping long-term campus development.
Dawn Ijiri, director of human resources at Hawai’i School for Girls at La Pietra, led a full review of salary structures and created a transparent compensation policy. By aligning compensation with market data and long‑term budgeting, she improved employee trust, retention and financial planning while reducing turnover costs. As Chair of the NBOA Human Resources Council, she contributes to conversations on best practices and has contributed to multiple Net Assets articles.
Karen McCann McClelland, executive director of auxiliary programs at Sidwell Friends School, built trainings and professional development pathways so auxiliary staff can grow into leadership roles, retain institutional knowledge and contribute at higher levels of decision-making over time. Her frequent presentations and thought leadership with NBOA further extend her impact across the independent school sector.
Karen McCann McClelland
Role: Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs
School: Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC
Years at School: 28
Fun Fact: McCann McClelland is a frequent presenter for SPARC, NBOA, NAIS and she currently serves on the board of MISBO.
3. How They Diversified Revenue, Reduced Turnover and Modernized Campus
McCann McClelland built and sustained an auxiliary programs department with a net contribution margin equivalent to a $20 million endowment. She’s worked to position auxiliary programs as “mission-aligned revenue engines” by diversifying revenue streams, adjusting offerings and redesigning staffing structures.
Ijiri championed the introduction of a locally-based Employee Assistance Program, ensuring confidential counseling and resources for every employee. She also advocated for expanded PTO and sick leave. This work has led to reduced turnover and stronger hires.
Cochran undertook a full-scale IT transformation — moving Walden from “no network, poor Wi‑Fi, and 36 computers” to a modern, fully networked 1:1 device environment with minimal downtime.
Lee Cochran
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Role: Director of IT
School: The Walden School, Louisville, KY
Years at School: 14
Fun Fact: Lee began his career at The Walden School as a middle school social studies teacher and later transitioned into an IT role to pursue his passion for technology.
4. How They Enhanced Risk Management
Cochran implemented a multilayered cyber and physical security approach, including implementing firewalls, installing over 60 IP cameras and conducting ongoing cybersecurity training.
In financial operations, Henry reduces risk through accurate reconciliation, clear processes and transparent billing communication.
Reid Henry
Role: Assistant Business Manager
School: The Gunston School, Centreville, MD
Years at School: 27
Fun Fact: Henry’s grandmother served as Gunston’s business manager for 35 years. Together, they contribute over 60 years of service to Gunston.
5. How They Advanced Equity and Inclusion in Operations
Henry communicates with families about billing “with compassion and professionalism” and provides hands-on support to international students navigating materials and systems. She is often the first point of contact for international students and families, helping them feel supported from day one.
After completing a DEI certification, Ijiri addressed equity structurally by correcting pay inequities, simplifying job applications, offering assistance to candidates with limited English, and broadening outreach to underemployed populations.
During COVID, McCann McClelland made the decision to pivot auxiliary programs away from revenue generation and instead provide free childcare for faculty and staff — a move that enabled educators to continue teaching during remote and hybrid learning and reinforced the school’s commitment to its people.
Dawn K. Ijiri
Role: Director of Human Resources
School: La Pietra — Hawai’i School for Girls, Honolulu, HI
Years at School: 8
Fun Fact: Ijiri’s HR leadership has contributed to her school earning Hawai‘i Top Workplace recognition in 2022, 2024, and 2025, as well as the 2024 Outstanding Employer Award from Mental Health America of Hawai‘i.
6. How They Have Deepened Connections to Their School Community
Barciszewski shares his talents in the classroom by teaching maintenance 101 courses to students.
Cochran, formerly a middle school social studies teacher, still finds time to teach computer science classes and sponsor the e-sports and robotics teams. He also created the school’s signature Greek Olympics, an annual competition for elementary students to test their knowledge of Greek history by participating in pentathlon-style events like the javelin, horse race and long jump.
Ijiri created a mentorship program for high school students, connecting participants with real-world HR experiences.
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