Leadership

CEO Notebook  

  • Leadership
  • | Planning
  • | Research

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

2026 Distinguished Business Officer Ann Marie Tidona shares how she uses data to guide high-level discussions and future-oriented decisions.
4 min read
Tim Rutherford, Lakefield College School
  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Tim Rutherford, Lakefield College School

From enrollment and fundraising to refereeing the hockey team, Rutherford pairs financial expertise with a people-first approach.
2 min read
Berwick Academy rowing

Other Duties As Assigned  

  • Leadership

Unreasonable Hospitality in Coaching and Community

A series of unexpected opportunities — each building on the last — has helped this assistant head connect with community.
4 min read
Potter feature image
  • Leadership
  • | Membership
  • | Tuition

Unsung Hero: William A. Potter, Waring School

Potter transformed key business functions, from financial aid and retirement benefits to technology and campus planning.
2 min read
door open concept

Projections  

  • Enrollment
  • | Governance
  • | Planning

To Close or Not to Close: Is That the Question?

It need not be if leaders face their school’s financial reality with open eyes and engage in frank conversation.
7 min read
Bob Nicholson
  • Endowment
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Bob Nicholson, Holy Trinity School

Nicholson created a first-of-its-kind online school and led the transition to a paperless business office.
3 min read
Two silhouetted figures climb a mountain together at sunset
  • Governance
  • | Leadership

The Key Ingredient to the Head-CFOO Relationship Is Trust This item is protected.

A survey and interviews revealed how heads and business leaders most effectively align and where perspectives diverge.
7 min read
McInnis feature image
  • Leadership
  • | Membership
  • | Planning

Unsung Hero: Juliane McInnis, The Rashi School

McInnis reimagined auxiliary revenue while advancing the school's long-term financial planning.
2 min read
Collage of businessman and businesswoman shaking hands on colorful overlapping speech bubbles
  • Budget
  • | Change Management
  • | Planning

Mergers and Acquisitions: For Schools Considering Expansion This item is protected.

Combining with another school can strengthen finances and sustain mission. But where do school leaders even start their considerations?
7 min read
Jeff Martin
  • Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Jeff Martin, Norfolk Academy

Martin balances operational precision with strategic vision, advises school leadership and mentors a collaborative team.
2 min read
merger concept
  • Accounting
  • | Leadership
  • | Planning

Mergers and Acquisitions: For Schools Facing Closure This item is protected.

Combining with another school can strengthen finances and sustain mission. But where do school leaders even start their considerations?
7 min read
Ludwinski
  • Enrollment
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Cyndi Ludwinski, Miriam School and Learning Center

While the school grew exponentially, Ludwinski transformed systems and steadied the course in every operational area.
2 min read
  • Culture
  • | Leadership
  • | Technology

A Midsummer Reflection on AI and Generational Difference

A recent staff retreat at the turn of the fiscal year provided insights into two common challenges.
6 min read
Susie Fiorello
  • Facilities
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Susie Fiorello, Paideia School

Fiorello led major capital projects, sustained annual surpluses and helped Paideia School expand without incurring debt.
2 min read
Jennifer Cookston
  • Compensation Strategies
  • | Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Jennifer Cookston, Webb School of Knoxville

Cookston advanced strategic talent initiatives through compensation analysis, performance-based rewards and investment in professional development across the business office.
3 min read
2026 Unsung Hero: Cindy Stadulis, St. Stephen's Episcopal School
  • Leadership
  • | Membership

Unsung Hero: Cindy Stadulis, St. Stephen's Episcopal School

Stadulis strengthened budgeting practices, facilities strategy and financial aid programs while building alignment across school leadership.
3 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Leadership

Humor Me, Really: Using Laughter To Lead Better

As the school year comes to a close, it’s good to know that laughter can be great medicine for leaders.
4 min read
Japanese kintsugi bowl
  • Communication
  • | Culture
  • | Leadership

Practical Steps for Rebuilding School Trust This item is protected.

Sudden leadership changes, faculty departures, and a unionization effort left one school community unsettled. This is how they recovered their equilibrium.
8 min read
puzzle pieces
  • Leadership
  • | Technology

Securing the Future of Independent Schools: Tools and Frameworks This item is protected.

The NBOA Leadership Academy conducted research and developed practical tools to support stronger decision-making in school business
5 min read

CEO Notebook  

  • Culture
  • | Leadership
  • | Planning

What a School Merger Looks Like 15 Years Later

Longtime independent school leader Frank Aloise reflects on the pressures, decisions and outcomes that defined a landmark school merger.
5 min read