The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
Stay tuned throughout the summer for additional profiles. See the full list of 2026 recipients.
Title: Director of Finance
School: All Saints’ Day School, Carmel Valley, CA
Years at School: 10
Superpower: Smooth Operator: As the director of finance in a two-person business office, Weiland manages a complex portfolio of responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and best business practices. “Her work directly supports the school’s stability and strategic direction, yet its success is often measured by what doesn’t go wrong,” said Head of School Sara Brown. “Because these systems function smoothly under her leadership, the depth and importance of her work can easily be underestimated.”
Fluent in Forecasting: Weiland developed and refined forecasting tools that allow the school to look beyond annual budgets. “This work has fundamentally changed how the school plans for the future and has provided clarity, confidence and transparency when making complex financial decisions,” said Brown.
Through her daily actions, Lori demonstrates that financial leadership can and should be grounded in humanity.
Emotional Intelligence Meets Finance: Beyond her financial expertise, Weiland is known for her calm, compassionate approach and her ability to support families through complex or sensitive situations. “Her demeanor reassures people, builds trust and ensures they feel heard and supported regardless of the outcome. Through her daily actions, Lori demonstrates that financial leadership can and should be grounded in humanity,” Brown said.
Governance Guru: Weiland works closely with the board of trustees and finance committee, bringing expertise in independent school finance and preparing clear, accessible reports that support informed decision-making.
Bellwether: Weiland “tirelessly supported” both past and current heads of school, balancing day-to-day operational demands with high-level strategic work. Her steadiness and institutional knowledge helped provide continuity through leadership transitions.
