VAIS appreciates all of our Corporate Supporters. Thank you for providing products and services to our schools and helping to underwrite our programs.
Gold Sponsors
Creative, Steelcase and Smith System are passionate about helping to create the conditions for lifelong learning. Our insight-led solutions and settings inspire people to become engaged, active learners within and beyond the classroom. We’re ready and willing to support your school on the journey to creating harder working spaces on your campus for students, faculty and staff.
Elior
Candace Hogan – candace.hogan@elior-na.com
OneDigital takes a comprehensive view of a company’s retirement plan and integrates it into a broader workforce strategy allowing employees to operate undistracted by financial stressors and at the highest level of their ability.
Built for teachers by teachers, Toddle is an AI-powered teaching & learning platform for progressive K-12 schools. Going beyond a typical LMS, Toddle helps you streamline all your work – from curriculum planning and assessments to progress reports and school-home communication. 2,000+ leading schools around the world run on Toddle.
Trolley Eats
Andy Harrison – aharrison@trolleyeats.com
Unnatti Jain
Unnatti Jain – jain.unnatti@gmail.com
Silver Sponsors
9ine
Mark Orchison – mark.orchison@9ine.com
https://www.9ine.com/
The Budd Group’s vision is to enrich people’s lives in the spaces where they live, learn, work, and play. The Budd Group is a family-owned and operated company that has provided exceptional services and solutions to facility managers for over 60 years. With more than 4,000 highly trained service associates, we can provide virtually any service required within a facility and are adept at integrating our services to create cost-effective solutions for our customers.
Katherine McConnell – kmcconnell@buddgroup.com
www.buddgroup.com
Our Commitment to Delivering Exceptional Experiences
EAT TO NOURISH Nourishing students and school communities is more than our business – it’s our commitment to building strong bodies and fueling sharp minds. We provide customized nutrition education programs and creative, globally inspired menus.
SHARE KNOWLEDGE Rooted in nutrition education, we ensure the student experience and the entire campus community can make healthy food choices every day. Ensuring a sense of respect for our planet takes hard work and dedication, both in the kitchen and through collaborative education campaigns with our clients.
CONNECT COMMUNITY We are responsible for creating an environment of respect for each other and our planet. Through Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging programming and partnerships, we can better support our local community together.
Cara Alberghini – Cara.Alberghini@compass-usa.com
https://www.compass-usa.com/
ConnectOne Bank serves the financial needs of independent K-12 educational institutions along the eastern seaboard. Recognized for outstanding client services and accessibility to decision-makers, ConnectOne Bank offers creative financial solutions consisting of campus renovation and expansion financing (both taxable and tax-exempt), including ground-up construction and real estate acquisition. Additionally, ConnectOne Bank provides cash management services that typically reduce/eliminate bank service fees while increasing interest income on operating balances.
Mark Cardone – mcardone@cnob.com
www.connectonebank.com
Critical Response Group comprises a team of US Special Operation veterans, public safety professionals, technical experts, and business executives that use our collective experiences to improve the national state of emergency preparation and response. Our Critical Incident Mapping solutions are validated by thousands of real-world incidents under the most stressful conditions, and are deployed across the United States to protect schools, businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
Joshua Goldsmith – jgoldsmith@crgplans.com
www.educationgroup.com
Since 1988, TEG has partnered with independent schools and nonprofits nationwide to deliver exceptional search and consulting services. With over 30 years of leadership experience on average, our consultants bring deep expertise to every engagement. We tailor each search to honor a school’s mission and traditions while preparing it for the future, supporting communities with strategic planning, organizational guidance, and key personnel decisions. Through corporate sponsorships with regional and national organizations, TEG extends valuable resources and connections to the schools we serve.
Katherine Stuart – katherine@educationgroup.com
www.educationgroup.com
SAGE partners with you to create exceptional dining experiences that inspire and connect. We deliver a variety of scratch-made meals, engage your community with fun events, and lead the industry in food safety and allergen management. We also offer revenue-boosting programs and dining space design services. Discover The SAGE Way.
James Leachman – JLeachman@sagedining.com
www.sagedining.com
Bronze Sponsors
38 House is a marketing and creative agency specializing in supporting independent schools. Founded by former independent school administrators, services include branding, consulting, video, photography, publication design, digital marketing, and websites. Guided by core values of helpfulness, continuous improvement, and excellence, 38 House acts as a trusted partner for independent schools.
Eric Thorp – eric@38house.com
AdvancementEDU partners with independent schools and colleges to generate philanthropic revenue for transformational impact. Customized services include: development assessments, major gift strategy and coaching, annual giving strategy and planning, prospect research and portfolio management, feasibility studies, campaign counsel, and board training. For over two decades, AdvancementEDU founder Chris Dudley was in senior leadership at High Point University. From 2015-2023, he served as Senior Vice President for Development, leading a team that raised $450 million.
Chris Dudley – chris@advancementedu.com
Bitner Henry is a fourth generation, family owned and operated insurance group providing the highest quality insurance products from over 18 companies. We focus on serving churches, nonprofits, social services, schools, and small businesses. Based in Hagerstown, Maryland, the agency serves eight states and the District of Columbia.
Kyle Butler
kbutler@bitnerhenry.com
Let our team handle the complex regulatory and accounting issues involved with running a not-for-profit so you can focus on your mission. Our team of specialists are experienced working with 501(c) organizations and are knowledgeable in economics, industry-trends, regulations, and operational procedures.
Alexa Brumbaugh – abrumbaugh@becpas.com
https://becpas.com/industries/not-for-profit/
Campus Services Group provides custodial, event, facility, and staffing support for independent, public, and higher-education institutions. Committed to quality, safety, and consistency, we create clean, efficient, and welcoming learning environments that reflect each school’s values. Our sustainable solutions are customized to each campus’s goals, supported by dedicated on-site teams and proven best practices. We help schools operate smoothly and maintain spaces that inspire students, staff, and visitors.
Denise Benedetti
dbenedetti@hcsgcorp.com
Since 1984, CapDev has been making nonprofits better. We do it through inclusive philanthropy consulting and search services that connect mission-driven organizations with leaders and equip them for sustainable results.
Clare Jordan
cjordan@capdev.com
ClassLink is the leading global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamline class rostering, automate account provisioning, and provide actionable analytics. ClassLink empowers 22 million students and staff in over 3,000 school systems.
Mona Johnston
mona.johnston@classlink.com
The Clarity platform helps K-12 private schools attract, enroll, and retain today’s families. From financial aid and enrollment contracts to tuition payments and incidental billing, Clarity provides administrators with a deeper understanding of their school’s financial health, bringing confidence to financial decision-making. Founded in 2022, Clarity is already helping over 1,400 schools align their financial strategy with their mission, transforming how they operate.
Marissa Ho
mho@claritytuition.com
Since 1947, CCS has partnered with nonprofits around the world to raise more and drive lasting impact. As a global fundraising solutions firm, our strategic consultants bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to the causes we serve. Whether you’re planning your next campaign or looking to evolve your fundraising strategy, we meet you where you are, with trusted guidance and a focus on what matters most: your mission. With 15 offices around the world and a team of over 600 professionals, CCS brings proven insight from every corner of the globe to local nonprofit landscapes.
Jennifer Shumpert
jshumpert@ccsfundraising.com
A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. has been the leading provider of tuition reimbursement insurance for nearly a century. Serving nearly 1,200 leading independent schools across North America, The Tuition Refund Plan offers substantial protection for both schools and their families from the financial consequence of student withdrawals and dismissals.
John Sugrue – john@dewarinsurance.com
For nearly 30 years we have been welcoming teachers and their students aboard our sailing vessel Boundless for a unique and extraordinary life-changing experience! Studies in marine science, history, and geography, journal/reflection time, seamanship skills, and much more, provide opportunities to develop self-confidence, leadership, and team building. All this takes place in an incredibly supportive, encouraging environment aboard our floating classroom! Our trips take place on the Chesapeake Bay during the academic year and off the rugged coast of Maine during the summer. Come join us!
Jeff Armor
diffdrumpercussion@gmail.com
eMediaVA is Virginia’s premier digital media library for educators and students, offering thousands of free, SOL-aligned resources for the classroom. Engage and inspire learners with videos, audio, images, interactives, labs, lesson ideas, and curated collections. Content comes from trusted leaders like PBS, Library of Congress, National Geographic, Khan Academy, Sesame Workshop, the Science Museum of Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg, NASA, and more.
Lindsey Horner
Lindsey.Horner@whro.org
A full-Service Communication engineering and low voltage integrator for Inside and Outside plant telecom infrastructure including Structured Cabling, Fiber Connectivity, Electronic Security, (Access Control, CCTV), Mass Notification (intercom solutions) & Fire Alarm
Ross Ritenour
rritenour@express-tek.com
FACTS, a Nelnet company, is dedicated to elevating education by providing schools, businesses and communities with solutions that help them focus on their mission and achieve their goals. Serving more than 12,000 organizations and over 4 million learners worldwide, FACTS provides a comprehensive suite of education technology products and services and financial management solutions designed to maximize learning outcomes and strengthen the financial stability of educational institutions. For more information, visit FACTSmgt.com.
Sarah Starr
sstarr@factsmgt.com
Fahrenheit Advisors, a Smith + Howard company, supports independent schools with tailored finance, accounting, audit, tax, and HR solutions. From fractional CFOs and business office outsourcing to tax compliance and HR leadership, we deliver expertise that strengthens operations and frees school leaders to focus on students and mission.
Anna Harris
aharris@fahrenheitadvisors.com
For three decades, Fiducient Advisors has been consistently delivering tailored advice to institutional and individual investors. Clients turn to us not just for our financial expertise, but for the passion and steadfast commitment that defines our personal service. Our guiding principle is to prioritize the needs of our clients first. We strive to deliver straightforward advice rooted in practical intellectual capital, with the continual objective of supporting clients in achieving meaningful financial outcomes.
Nick Harrington
nharrington@fiducient.com
Freekind is a nonprofit organization that exists to prevent human trafficking in our communities and support survivors on their journey to freedom.
Lauren Diggs
ldiggs@freekindva.org
IMA works with over 250 independent institutions from a property & casualty and employee benefits perspective. Educational institutions face unique challenges, including budgetary pressures, reputation threats, and a range of risks affecting student and faculty attraction. Organizations today need a customized risk management approach tailored to specific exposures, risk tolerance, and preferences, offering comprehensive solutions such as risk assessment, benchmarking, and dynamic risk mapping.
Kevin Melvin – kevin.melvin@imacorp.com
InStride Health provides evidence-based virtual treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety and OCD. Our multidisciplinary clinical team partners closely with families and schools to deliver flexible, skills-focused care that integrates into daily life. We help students build confidence, resilience and long-term emotional well-being
Sara Sirak
sara.sirak@instride.health
Many families use 529 savings for college, but they can also be used for K-12 expenses. Up to $10,000 annually may be used tax-free for K-12 tuition, curriculum, books, tutoring, online courses, and more, increasing to $20,000 per student annually beginning in 2026. Earnings in a 529 account grow tax-free and Virginia taxpayers may deduct contributions up to $4,000 per account per year with an unlimited carryforward. Connect with Invest529 and help teach families how to save for these K-12 expenses by hosting a webinar, inviting us to a school event or requesting brochures to hand out.
Ashlee Gallegos
agallegos@commonwealthsavers.com
Based in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Lands’ End School Outfitters is a trusted leader in premium school apparel, proudly outfitting students across the country with uniforms that combine comfort, durability, and timeless style. For decades, schools, parents, and students have relied on our commitment to quality and service, knowing that every garment is backed by our rigorous standards and easy return policy. We partner with schools to create custom uniform programs that reflect their values and foster a sense of unity and pride. Our year-round shopping experience—online and through dedicated customer support—ensures families have access to what they need, when they need it.
Kelly Powlas
kelly.powlas@landsend.com
Learning Courage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping K–12 independent schools with sexual misconduct prevention in schools and trauma-informed, survivor-centered response practices.We partner with school leaders to reduce incidents, improve institutional responses, and support healing—because every student deserves to learn in a safe, respectful environment.
James Forbes
jforbes@learningcourage.org
Miller Sports Construction is a leading expert in the design, build, and installation of athletic surfaces and equipment. We provide athletic programs with state-of-the-art sports facilities, ensuring athletes train and compete on the best surfaces possible. Established in 1989, we have a long-standing reputation for professionalism and quality service.
Donnie Warthan
ashley@millersports.com
NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. Through our overnight, hands-on environmental science programs, we take more than 30,000 students each year into our national parks to explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with the environment.
Katie Couch – kcouch@naturebridge.org
Your locally based Pearson School Assessment team focuses on partnering alongside schools to solution high-quality, research-based assessment tools that support educational, clinical, and professional decision-making. Our goal is to: (1) Provide reliable and valid assessments that inform instruction, intervention, and personal growth. (2) Support educators, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals in understanding strengths and needs. (3) Enable data-driven decisions that improve outcomes for students, teachers, and families.
Molly-Armine Holston – molly-armine.holston@pearson.com
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/large-scale-assessments/district-assessment.html
Pentegra is a leading provider of retirement plan and fiduciary outsourcing solutions to organizations nationwide. As one of America’s oldest independent fiduciaries, we deliver retirement plans that run with less risk, greater efficiencies and improved outcomes.
John Low
noelle.comito@pentegra.com
RCM&D’s Education Practice provides insurance brokerage and risk management services to VAIS member institutions and over 200 schools nationwide. RCM&D is the exclusive broker for the Cherry Blossom Consortium, a proprietary, group buying program for Property & Casualty Insurance leveraging the collective buying power of member schools for premium stability, coverage enhancements and access to enhanced risk assessment and risk management solutions.
James Shewey
jshewey@rcmd.com
Leader in School Uniform providers. We are a family owned organization rooted in private, independent school education, offering a wide range of uniform styles and fsbrics. Innovative online ordering as well as in-store, providing consistent quality and customer service for over 20 years!
Brenda Erwin
berwin@rissebrothers.com
Ruvna is the comprehensive K-12 safety and operations platform schools trust when seconds matter. Serving 500+ schools across 43 states, Ruvna helps educators confidently manage emergencies, communicate instantly, and account for everyone on campus—without complexity. Founded in 2012, Ruvna has become the trusted partner that keeps school communities safe and learning uninterrupted. www.ruvna.com
Kyra Sandness
kyra.sandness@ruvna.com
Janitorial Services Floor Care Day Porter Services
Chad Bishop
cbishop@svmservices.net
The Sollog Group partners with nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help them raise more money in less time by turning data into strategic action. Since 2009, we’ve been a trusted partner, offering expertise in annual giving, capital campaigns, prospect development, and database administration. Our services include consulting, workshops, webinars, and tailored resources that empower organizations to achieve sustainable fundraising success.
F. Nicholas Sollog
nick@thesolloggroup.com
SPARC is the premier national organization serving independent schools and their auxiliary program leaders. We are dedicated to the professional growth and development of our members, while promoting auxiliary excellence at independent schools across the country. Our advisory services include program design and development, the SPARC Accelerator, leadership mentoring, leadership search, and strategic planning. Our professional development offerings include our National Conference, the SPARC Leadership Institute, the SPARC Symposium, and ongoing webinars.
Stantec’s Virginia studios deliver full-service or a-la-cart architecture, interior design, engineering, and planning services with a focus on PK–12 education. We believe designing for schools means designing for the future—spaces where today’s students grow into tomorrow’s leaders. Our approach centers on the whole child, integrating wellbeing, inclusivity, and sustainability to create flexible environments that foster collaboration, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Erin Carver
erin.carver@stantec.com
Subbey is a substitute management app made by educators. Subbey partners with schools to streamline the process of managing and communicating with substitute teachers.
Corey Cleek
corey@subbey.com
TCI delivers secure, reliable technology solutions that keep schools connected and protected. From IT & network services to business phone systems, structured cabling, and physical security, we provide the tools and support educational institutions need to operate efficiently and safely. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, TCI is a trusted partner in helping schools build smarter, more secure environments for students, faculty, and staff.
Erin Murray
erin.murray@tcinow.com
TIAA was founded in 1918 to help teachers retire with confidence. That mission grew to include those in healthcare and more, creating reliable income for their futures while they work to make a difference. Together, we fight to ensure a more secure financial future for all.
Kate Marcus – Kate.Marcus@tiaa.org
VIcom delivers seamless technology integration. As a premier solutions provider, We design, implement, and support comprehensive Audio Visual, Unified Communications, Network/IT, and Managed Service solutions freeing you to focus on core business objectives rather than technical challenges. Employee-owned and fiercely customer-focused, we deliver on our promise: Communication, Simplified.
Tom Kusiak – tkusiak@vicom-corp.com
William & Mary’s Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships (SCP) catalyzes the university’s cultural and historic resources to generate new knowledge and advance understanding. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, W&M offers a top-rated academic experience while being consistently recognized as one of the best values in the nation, bringing together the global opportunities of a teaching, learning and research university with the personal education of a liberal arts and sciences institution.
Danny Devlin
dfdevlin01@wm.edu
