NWAIS Spring Heads Meeting
May 4-6, 2025 Alderbrook Resort and Spa (Union, WA)
Session And Speaker Information
Keynote Address 
With Debra P. WilsonPresident, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Presenting:
Lane Shift AheadIt can be hard to differentiate the signal in the noise right now, with so many things shifting so quickly, from the economy, to the government, to the ongoing operational needs of our schools. Come join this session as we work to discern what trends will be impacting education at large, our industry, our workforce, and our graduates, and brainstorm ways we might work to manage the challenges and harness the opportunities.
Fireside Chat The Role Strategy Plays in Helping Schools Thrive Over 40 years ago Mark and Tom began an ongoing conversation when both served at a small, young school in Southern Louisiana. Since then both have filled multiple and varied roles in the independent school world. Drawing largely from Tom’s recent book as a starting point, they’ll discuss the role strategic thinking can play in shaping the future of independent schools and the implications for headship. As the conversation unfolds, Mark and Tom will suggest a new framework for leading schools.
A Conversation between Mark Crotty, Executive Director of NWAIS and Tom Olverson, author of Leading Through Strategy About Tom Olverson
As a major thought
leader in independent school education, Tom is the author of Leading Through Strategy, a book that
applies the principles of business strategy to independent schools to help them
thrive. Rob Evans wrote, “Every head and aspiring head should read this book…
it is clear and full of practical real-life advice.” Tom has also written
numerous articles for independent school publications, including NAIS
Independent School Magazine. As a result of his writings, Tom has been a guest
on several podcasts and webinars. Tom served as head
of school for 27 years at two different schools. In his last headship at The
Rivers School outside of Boston, Tom led the transformation of this school into
one of the top day schools in a highly competitive market. Currently, Tom serves
as a Search Consultant for RG 175. Tom is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke
University and earned a masters at The College of William and Mary.
Workshop Session:
Where Is The Puck Going? Join Tim Fish for a provocative exploration of independent schools' next decade. Using Wayne Gretzky's famous quote about skating to where the puck is going, Fish examines whether the next 10 years will bring transformative change to our sector's business model, pedagogy, and enrollment landscape. Through interactive discussions, he'll unpack emerging forces like AI, micro-schools, and shifting educational funding models while exploring the tension between "old excellence" (traditional metrics of school success) and "new excellence" (innovative, purpose-driven learning). Drawing from his extensive work with schools nationwide, Fish offers frameworks for navigating this transition and empowers heads of school to not just anticipate change, but actively shape independent education's future. Participants will leave with practical tools for engaging their boards and leadership teams in strategic conversations about institutional evolution and innovation. 
withTim
Fish, former Chief Innovation Officer at NAIS and Founder of Two Chairs Studio
Tim Fish is the
founder and president at Two Chairs Studio, a strategy and design firm. Before
forming Two Chairs in 2024, he was the Chief Innovation Officer at NAIS.
Tim is the co-author of the book Leadership and Technology at Independent
Schools. Tim has worked
closely with over 500 independent schools in the last 25 years. He has
conducted board retreats at over 150 schools, and given hundreds of
presentations. While at NAIS, he led internal innovation efforts and was a
member of the Strategy Lab team,
the Jobs To Be Done research team and served as the host for the New View
EDU podcast.
Tim served as the
associate headmaster for many years at the McDonogh
School (Maryland). Tim was also the founding president and CEO of the FolioCollaborative, a nonprofit
community of more than 175 schools, focused on building a flexible
faculty/staff development process. He started his
career as a 4th-grade teacher and has served as a founder, board member, and
consultant for a variety of schools, organizations, and companies. Tim
has an undergraduate degree from St. Francis University and an M.Ed. from
George Mason University. Tim is also the father of four children (The
Four Fish Sticks). Tim and his wife, Diane, live outside Baltimore,
Maryland.
Return To Spring Heads Information and Registration Page
Interested in Sponsoring the Event? Register as an event sponsor here or contact Jami Sheets for more information.
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