REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Financial Leadership for the 21st Century
An NWAIS Workshop Series To Explore trends in the independent school financial model, how schools should be adapting to the changes, the best ways to interpret and report key data, and the most efficient and effective systems and processes for financial management Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (10:00AM-12:00PM PT / 11:00AM-1:00PM MT) Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (10:00AM-11:30AM PT / 11:AM-12:30PM MT) Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (10:00AM-11:30AM PT / 11:AM-12:30PM MT)
AudienceThis interactive workshop series is designed for independent school leaders—business managers, business office staff, and Heads of School—who want to stay ahead of the curve in financial strategy and operations.
Workshop Series DescriptionIn this three series of virtual workshops, we will explore trends in the independent school financial model, how schools should be adapting to the changes, the best ways to interpret and report key data, and the most efficient and effective systems and processes for financial management. Whether you are the key business officer or Head of School, you will emerge from this series more confident in your understanding of independent school financial management, knowing where you should focus your attention, and ready to adopt key strategies for ensuring your school remains on the leading edge of this vital function.
Note: Each session builds on the last, so attending the full series will give you the most powerful results.
Session DescriptionsJanuary 21, 2026 (10:00AM-12:00PM PT / 11:00AM-1:00PM MT) Ten Numbers Every Person in Your Organization Should Know Build a culture of shared financial responsibility.
Every member of your school community plays a role in its financial health—even if they don’t manage the budget. In this session, we’ll demystify the independent school business model and identify the ten most critical metrics that drive sustainability. You’ll leave with tools to help your entire team understand and support your school’s financial goals.
February 11, 2026 (10:00AM-11:30AM PT / 11:AM-12:30PM MT) Financial Data Storytelling
Turn numbers into narratives that inspire action.
Financial reports don’t have to be dry or confusing. Learn how to transform complex data into compelling stories using visuals and plain language that resonate with every audience—from trustees to faculty. This session will equip you with best practices for tailoring your message to different stakeholders, making your financial communication more impactful and accessible. March 11, 2026 (10:00AM-11:30AM PT / 11:AM-12:30PM MT) The 21st Century Business Office Reimagine your operations for a smarter, leaner future.
The pandemic forced many schools to rethink their business office operations—some changes stuck, others didn’t. In this session, we’ll explore how to modernize your systems, streamline workflows, and focus your team on strategic priorities. Learn how to eliminate low-value tasks, leverage automation, and outsource wisely to build a future-ready business office.
About Our Facilitators: Brenda Stonecipher and Dave Pon, Stonecipher ConsultingFounded in 2018 by Brenda Stonecipher, Stonecipher Consulting Group’s mission is grounded in the belief that arts, education, and culture are the bedrocks of our society. Brenda and her team are experts in financial and operational leadership in the nonprofit sector. They are selective about their clients, working with great leaders and organizations that are committed to bettering themselves and their organization. Over the past five years, Stonecipher Consulting has worked with more than 30 independent schools in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada.
 Brenda Stonecipher is a native of the Pacific Northwest. She holds a BA (English Literature) from the University of Washington and an MBA from the UW Foster School of Business. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Brenda has more than three decades of financial and executive leadership experience in education, healthcare, arts administration, and government. She has served in the role of CFO, Interim CFO, and Interim Head of School for several NWAIS schools. In her free time, Brenda heads to the mountains for hiking with her dog and skiing. She enjoys watching college hockey and staged bike races (e.g., Tour de France).
 Dave Pon grew up in Southern California but has lived in Seattle for more than three decades – making him a near-native! Dave holds a BA (Business Economics/Accounting) from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a JD from the University of Washington School of Law. Dave has more than three decades of experience as a finance and accounting executive. Prior to joining Stonecipher Consulting, Dave served as the Director of Finance and Operations at a local independent school and in financial leadership roles in the healthcare industry. When he is not working, Dave enjoys CrossFit and recently started playing the cello. Registration Registration is NOW OPEN! Participants will register for the full series. In the case that you are not able to attend all three sessions in real time, all registrations include access to session recordings. Links to recordings will remain active for two weeks following each session and should not be shared.
Pricing Course Registration (Includes access to all three workshops, session resources, and recordings*) Member Schools - $495 Non-Members - $595 * Links to recordings will remain active for two weeks following each session Cancellation
Registration substitutions may be made any time prior to the first session at no charge. Written cancellations received 24 hours before the first session are eligible for a refund after a $50 cancellation fee.
|
