NBOA President and CEO
Throughout my 15 years of serving independent school business leaders through NBOA, I’ve witnessed just how much the role of the business office has evolved. What was once viewed narrowly through a financial lens now touches nearly every facet of your school and its operations, from facilities and human resources to risk management, strategy and leadership development.
Today’s independent school CFO or CFOO is not only a steward of the budget but a strategic partner to the head of school, a trusted advisor to the board, and often, a key voice in the school’s long-term vision. That’s a significant shift — and one that demands not just skill but support.
At NBOA, our mission is to develop, deliver and promote best business practices to advance independent schools. That mission has never wavered, even as the needs of our members have changed and grown more complex. And it’s with that mission in mind that I was proud to announce the launch of NBOA Advisory Services two weeks ago.
Deepening Our Support, Not Shifting Our Focus
NBOA Advisory Services is a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of NBOA – created to meet a clear and growing need in our community. While the association continues to provide world-class professional development, data tools, guidance and peer connections, Advisory Services enables us to engage with your school more directly, offering personalized support and solutions tailored to your unique needs. Said a different way, NBOA will continue to be a trusted partner to nearly 1,300 U.S. independent schools and more worldwide. And now, NBOA Advisory Services is uniquely positioned to provide that same level of trust and support NBOA has built and provided to independent schools over nearly three decades, one to one.
Why NBOA Advisory Services?
Because the challenges facing independent schools are not theoretical. We see schools grappling with unprecedented enrollment shifts, rising costs, labor market volatility and increasing demands for equity and access — all while trying to safeguard long-term financial sustainability.
In conversations with school leaders across the country, a consistent message has emerged: “We know the challenges. We have the data and understand the potential solutions, but we need help putting it all together and taking action.” NBOA Advisory Services was created in direct response to those calls.
What Makes NBOA Advisory Services Different?
Our decision to extend NBOA’s mission through NBOA Advisory Services was informed by numerous member inquiries and extensive market research, in addition to thoughtful discussions with the NBOA Board. What sets NBOA Advisory Services apart in the marketplace is the same thing that has always set NBOA apart: our laser-like focus on the business side of independent schools.
Our advisors have walked the halls, worked with trustees, balanced budgets, managed crises and built solutions that last. Their insights aren’t theoretical — they’re grounded in lived experience.
Led by NBOA’s executive vice president, James Palmieri, Ed.D., our Advisory Services team brings together over 300 years of business leadership in the field. Their insights are not just informed by best practices. They are the best practices, shaped by the real-world challenges of schools and grounded in the professional business leadership of our team. Our advisors have walked the halls, worked with trustees, balanced budgets, managed crises and built solutions that last. Their insights aren’t theoretical — they’re grounded in lived experience and applied directly to your school’s needs.
Just as important, our services are supported by the same research, data and tools that NBOA members already trust. These resources, developed by business officers for independent school leaders, provide the foundation for data-informed decision-making at every level. Whether your school is preparing for a CFO transition, navigating a new tuition model or exploring ways to improve operational efficiency, we’re here to support your specific goals to address both challenges and opportunities.
A Continuation of Our Commitment
I want to be clear: NBOA Advisory Services is not a departure from who we are. It’s a deepening of NBOA's commitment to you. It’s a recognition that the future of independent schools depends not just on delivering your school's mission but on sound business strategy — and that even the most experienced leaders can benefit from trusted, mission-aligned partners in navigating today’s complexities and planning for tomorrow.
As we look to the future, I invite you to learn more about what NBOA Advisory Services can offer — and to reach out if we can be of service to your school. Because when your school thrives academically AND financially, our entire community is better for it.
Follow NBOA President and CEO Jeff Shields on LinkedIn.
