Business Officers Institute 2026
May 6, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond
Are you interested in timely topics and strategies to impact your independent school business office, including risk management, legal issues, and employee retention? Do you want opportunities to connect and collaborate with VAIS peers for insight and innovation? Then this is the program for you!
Our host venue, The Virginia Museum of History & Culture, provides a fantastic backdrop in which to explore ways in which lessons from the past can be applied to challenges of the present, in service to stronger VAIS schools in the future.
Click here to view the Tentative Schedule
FEATURING Dr. Unnatti Jain
Dr. Unnatti Jain is a dynamic keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author who inspires audiences across organizations, schools, and universities. With decades of experience, she empowers individuals and teams to embrace personal growth, leadership development, and navigate generational differences. Her work with teens, parents, and professionals offers valuable insights into behavior and intergenerational dynamics, fostering connection, growth, and success. Jain brings a unique, purpose-driven perspective to her speaking engagements, helping parents to deepen connections with their children; guiding educators to engage diverse student populations; and supporting organizations with building collaborative, multi-generational workforces. Through her engaging talks, Jain motivates communities to bridge generational divides and create environments rooted in understanding and transformation.
Conference Keynote: Understanding Generational Mindsets: Building Schools That Connect Across Ages
Every aspect of independent schools— financial planning, human resources, admissions, communications and marketing, and philanthropy — depends on trust and connection across generations. Parents, staff, alumni, and donors all bring different values, expectations, and decision-making styles. This keynote will unpack how generational mindsets shape financial behaviors, workplace expectations, enrollment choices, and giving patterns. You can expect practical strategies to align leadership, culture, and storytelling so that your schools will thrive today and for the generations ahead.
Additional Sessions:
Risk Management Workshop
From Reactive to Proactive: Transforming Your Approach to Risk Management
Mark Orchison, 9ine
In this interactive workshop, Orchison will help us shift from a reactive to a proactive risk management strategy by using a well-developed risk register. This approach will enhance your school’s preparedness for unforeseen challenges and embed a culture of proactive risk management across the organization.
Maximizing Your Campus for Increased Non-Tuition Revenue
Nat Saltonstall, Executive Director and Founder, SPARC
Independent schools are increasingly leveraging their campuses year-round to boost non-tuition revenue. From summer programs and rentals to strategic partnerships, schools can unlock new income streams without compromising mission or overextending resources. This session explores practical strategies to maximize underutilized assets, assess operational readiness, and design sustainable, mission-aligned initiatives. Through real-world examples and proven frameworks, attendees will gain tools to evaluate opportunities, mitigate risks, and develop a long-term plan for financial growth.
New this year! Human Resources Half-day Workshop
Perks with Purpose: Aligning Total Compensation with Your Mission
Christine Lipson, HR Concierge
This session invites school leaders to think beyond salaries and create a total compensation philosophy that is a powerful tool for shaping culture and driving retention. You will design a compensation philosophy unique to your school. We will discuss how your philosophy reflects your school’s value and priorities as you shape your approach to annual increases, benefit planning, and budgeting. We’ll also look at how time-off and leave programs support employee well-being and build a stronger, more connected community. This workshop offers a space to share ideas and spark your creativity. You will leave with a practical strategy for your school that makes employees feel valued and supported.
REGISTRATION:
| Who? | Fee: |
| VAIS Members | $295 |
| Non – VAIS Members | $590 |
REGISTRATION/REFUND DEADLINE: April 22
VAIS has arranged a room block at this nearby hotel:
Graduate by Hilton Richmond
Use this link to book your hotel room by April 5.
Please email Darcie TeVault with any questions.
EVENT SPONSORS:
Click HERE to learn more about VAIS sponsorship opportunities.
