2026 Business and Operations Conference & Expo
April 28 & 29, 2026 | Westin Waltham Hotel
Bring your school business office together for a day of learning on topics of school finance, human resources, auxiliary operations, technology and facility systems, and strategic thinking. AISNE’s Community Supporters will be on hand to tell you about the products and services they offer to support your work. We will enjoy time for networking and generative conversations amongst your team and between your peers working in area schools. This is an opportunity to provide manager-level staff with professional development and support their growing expertise and leadership.
This conference is designed for your business office and school leadership team, including:
- CFOs/COOs
- Directors of Auxiliary Programs
- Directors of Finance, Controllers, and other Finance staff
- Directors & Managers of Human Resources
- Directors of IT/Information Systems
- Directors of Facilities
- Heads of School
Pricing and Hotel:
| Number of Attendees | AISNE Member Schools | Non-Member School |
| 1 – 3 | $519/pp | $619/pp |
| 4 – 9 | $470/pp | $570/pp |
| 10 – 19 | $415/pp | $515/pp |
Pricing does not include hotel accommodations.
REGISTER HERE
Hotel Information
Westin Waltham Hotel
70 3rd Ave, Waltham, MA 02451, Waltham, MA
Group rate: $249.00/nt + taxes, based on availability. This room rate expires on March 27, 2026.
Book your room reservation for the Westin Waltham here.
Agenda at a Glance
Tuesday, April 28
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration and Breakfast
- 9:00 – 9:30 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
- 9:30 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Session: Natalie Nixon
- 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Roundtables by Role
- Finance, Strategy & Human Resources
- Facilities, Security & Technology
- 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM | Networking Lunch & Exhibitor Connections
- 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Topic Sessions
- 2:45 – 4:45 PM | Topic Session Round Robin
- 4:45 – 5:45 PM | Cocktails and Connections
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Dine-Arounds in Waltham
Wednesday, April 29
- 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Networking
- 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Morning Remarks
- 9:15 – 10:15 AM | General Session
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Roundtables by Topic
- 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Topic Sessions
- 12:45 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Farewell
Keynote Sessions
9:30 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Session: Natalie Nixon, PhD
Redefining Productivity and Our Relationship with Time
In this fireside chat, Dr. Natalie Nixon invites us to rethink productivity—not as constant motion or relentless output, but as a more human, sustainable practice grounded in balance and intentionality. Drawing from her book Move. Think. Rest., Dr. Nixon introduces the Move, Think, Rest (MTR) framework as a practical approach for cultivating creativity, focus, and meaningful impact in our work and lives. Through conversation and reflection, this session challenges hustle-based norms and explores how simple, often overlooked practices—such as walking, daydreaming, and engaging in meaningful dialogue—can serve as strategic pauses that unlock new ideas and better outcomes. You will leave with a refreshed perspective on time, energy, and what it truly means to flourish.
Dr. Natalie Nixon built her career by connecting dots others didn’t see—working in global apparel sourcing for The Limited Brands in Sri Lanka and Portugal, earning a PhD in design management while working full time, leading executive education programs, and spending 16 years as a professor at Thomas Jefferson University. Her experience living and working across five countries shaped her global perspective and sharpened her approach to helping teams adapt, innovate, and thrive in ambiguity. Today, Natalie is recognized as one of the top keynote speakers by BigSpeak and Real Leaders, named to the Thinkers50 Radar List, and honored by Core77 as a leader in women-driven innovation. She is the award-winning author of The Creativity Leap and the forthcoming Move. Think. Rest.
Detailed Agenda
Tuesday, April 28
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration and Breakfast
Start the morning with breakfast and conversation while you check in and reconnect with peers.
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Session: Natalie Nixon (see above)
10:45 – 11:45 AM | Roundtables by Role
- Finance, Strategy, & Human Resources
- Facilities, Security, & Technology
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM | Networking Lunch & Exhibitor Connections
Lunch provided with dedicated time to network and visit exhibitors.
1:30 – 2:30 PM | Topic Sessions
Innovating Employee Benefits: Emerging Trends and Strategic Partnerships
Presented by: Borislow Insurance, Carol Lyon, Assistant Headmaster Business Services & Chief Financial Officer | St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury, VT) and Dean Sidell, Director Of Finance and Operations | Landmark School (Prides Crossing, MA)
As the employee benefits landscape grows more complex, independent schools are under increasing pressure to balance rising costs with the need to remain competitive and thoughtful stewards of their faculty and staff’s wellbeing. Health care is now the second-largest expense for most schools, after salaries, and costs continue to rise at an unsustainable pace. At the same time, school leaders are navigating significant uncertainty: medical cost inflation, lack of transparency and clarity, persistent double-digit premium increases, pharmacy cost explosion (beyond GLP-1s), regulatory complexities, and a rapidly expanding array of cost-containment strategies and vendor solutions. This session will explore the forces reshaping today’s benefits environment and what they mean specifically for independent schools. Through an engaging and practical discussion, Carol Lyon, Dean Sidell, and a representative from Borislow Insurance will examine current trends, real-world case studies, and lessons learned from schools facing similar challenges. The conversation will also highlight how strategic vendor partnerships and data-driven decision-making can help schools manage near-term pressures while building more sustainable, long-term benefits strategies.
Evolving Financial Aid Practices: Trends, Strategies, and Insights from the Field
Presented by: Brett White, Financial Specialist | FACTS
In a time of economic uncertainty, shifting family demographics, and increasing competition for mission-aligned enrollment, this session explores the evolving landscape of financial aid in PK–12 independent schools. Brett White of FACTS will share data-driven insights into national and international trends, innovative awarding models, and emerging technologies shaping affordability and access. The session goes beyond aid calculations to examine the philosophy, goals, and best practices of effective financial aid programs. We will explore hybrid awarding models integrating need, merit, and mission alignment; strategies supporting middle-income and historically underserved families; and approaches to evaluate the impact of tuition remission on net tuition revenue and discount rates. Leigh Ann and Michelle will join Brett to share real-world experiences adapting financial aid processes to strengthen enrollment strategy, operational effectiveness, and equity.
Panelists (from L to R):
Leigh Ann Luetzen, Director of Finance & Business Operations | Ursuline Academy (Dedham, MA)
Michelle Pappas, Chief Financial Officer | Archbishop Williams High School (Braintree, MA)
Investing With Intent: Advanced Fiduciary Stewardship for Independent Schools
Presented by: David Smith, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer | Rockland Trust
Independent schools in New England navigate a unique intersection of mission-driven decision-making, fiduciary responsibility, and long-term financial sustainability. The strength of your investment strategy directly affects your ability to support students, faculty, programs, and facilities for generations. This session explores advanced fiduciary oversight strategies using real scenarios from educational institutions and current market conditions, David will guide you through sophisticated investment governance and risk management strategies tailored to independent schools.
2:45 – 4:45 PM | Topic Session Round Robin
Round Robin topic sessions coming soon…
4:45 – 5:45 PM | Cocktails and Connections
Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks with exhibitors and peers.
6:00 – 8:00 PM | Dine-Arounds in Waltham
Join colleagues for optional group dinners at local restaurants sponsored by generous AISNE Supporters.
Wednesday, April 29
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast & Networking
Start Day 2 of the conference with breakfast and informal networking.
9:00 – 9:15 AM | Morning Remarks
9:15 – 10:15 AM | General Session
10:30 – 11:30 AM | Roundtables by Topic
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | Topic Sessions
Leveraging AI and Technology to Transform Campus Operational Practices & Strategy
Presented by: Josh Clark, Head of School and Lisa Pelrine, Director of Admission | Landmark School (Beverly, MA)
Learn how one school is harnessing AI and technology to drive innovation across business and operations on campus. This session explores practical strategies for integrating emerging tools, overcoming hesitations, and fostering a culture of forward-thinking leadership. You will gain insights into the challenges and successes of adopting AI-driven solutions, the ripple effect of individual innovation across a school community, and collaborative approaches to transform operations in independent schools.
When the Allegation Hits: Managing School Investigations with Confidence and Care
Presented by: Kai McGintee, Managing Director | Aleta Law
When serious allegations arise, independent schools must respond quickly, thoughtfully, and in a legally sound manner—often while balancing competing demands from students, families, employees, boards, and regulators. This session will walk school leaders through the lifecycle of a school investigation, from the initial report through resolution and follow-up. Drawing on real-world scenarios, the session will explore when an investigation is required, how to structure and conduct it, common pitfalls to avoid, and how investigative decisions intersect with crisis management, communications, and risk mitigation. You will leave with practical guidance for navigating investigations in a way that is fair, trauma-informed, and aligned with legal and institutional obligations.
When the Threat Is Real-Time: Leading Through Campus Safety Decisions in an Active Crisis
Presented by: Ian Moorehouse, Chief Operating Officer and Max Pearlstein, Director of Strategic Communications | The Wheeler School (Providence, RI)
When a serious safety threat emerges near or on campus, school leaders must make rapid, high-stakes decisions with incomplete information—often while managing fear, misinformation, and operational pressure. Drawing on Wheeler’s recent experience during an active shooter incident near campus, this session examines how schools assess risk in real time, determine whether to close or reopen, coordinate with law enforcement, and communicate clearly with their communities. We will explore the gap between written emergency plans and lived reality, and gain insight into how cross-functional leadership, trust, and preparation shape effective responses when there is no perfect answer.
12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch & Farewell
Exhibitors
Exhibit tables are now sold out.
The following AISNE Community Supporters will be on-hand to discuss business and operations solutions, demo their products, and share information about the services they provide independent schools.
A.W.G. Dewar
AAFCPAs
Assured Partners / Fred C. Church
Borislow Insurance
Campus Services Groups
Carney Sandoe & Associates
C.E. Floyd
Checkwriters
CLA (ClifonLarsonAllen)
Compass Facilities Services
CulinArt Group
DBI Projects
Dellbrook | JKS
DovetailED Talent Sourcing
Early Bird Power
Educators Collaborative
FACTS
Fiducient Advisors
FLIK Independent School Dining
Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
HMFH Architects
HUB International
McLane Middleton
Meriwether Godsey
Model 1 Commercial Vehicles
Morgan Brown & Joy
Nexdine Hospitality
Olson Lewis + Architects
Pentegra
Rockland Trust
SAGE Dining Services
SecureWon
Stanmar
TIAA
Timberline Construction
TSS Advisors
WT Kenney Co.
Join Your Peers
Learn and build connections with your fellow independent school colleagues who have already registered.
- Fadia Brangwynne, Business Manager | Montrose School
- Lisa Durken, Controller | Noble and Greenough School
- Stacey Flaherty, Business Office Associate | Montrose School
- Annya Haughton, Chief Financial Officer & Business Manager | Mother Caroline Academy
- Letitia Howland, Director of Financial Operations | Brookwood School
- Leigh Ann Leutzen, Director of Finance & Business Operations | Ursuline Academy
- Amy Martins, Business Office Manager | Jackson Walnut Park School
- Melissa Richard, Controller | Ursuline Academy
- Jami Riley, Director of Auxiliary Programs | Riverbend School
- Amanda Russo, Auxiliary Programs Manager | Montrose School
- Julie Skipper, Director of Human Resources | Noble and Greenough School
- Donna Strouse, Chief Financial and Operating Officer | Montrose School
- Mike Veski, Safety and Security Manager | Jackson Walnut Park School
- Holly Walker, Director of Operations and Finance | Boston University Academy
- Betsy White, Instructional Technology Manager | Montrose School
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 10 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of our minimum commitments with our hotel partners; thank you for your understanding. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event.
Not an AISNE Member?
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