2025 AISA Leadership Conference

Lighthouse Counsel

Solving the Puzzle: Essentials for Strategic Planning

Strategic planning allows an independent school to align its long-term goals with its short-term activities and decisions. It builds consensus on, understanding of, and passion for the school’s future.

This interactive discussion will show that strategic planning is a process rather than a one-time event and that actionable and well-communicated strategic plans create synergy within an organization and result in increased success.

Participants will learn:

• The importance of strategic planning as a process rather than an event
• That effective planning does not occur in a vacuum
• Which stakeholders and what input informs a successful plan
• Planning strategies to keep everyone engaged during the intensive process
• Tools to work the plan after it’s built

 

Jeff Jowdy

A veteran of nonprofit leadership and fundraising, Jeff Jowdy has been the guiding force behind Lighthouse Counsel since founding it in 1999. As senior vice president of development for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, Jeff led one of the nation’s most successful YMCA fundraising programs.

 

 

 

Roy Alexander

Roy Alexander has more than two decades of experience in education leadership including as a head of school, development director, department head and teacher. He’s held leadership positions in both religious and non-religiously affiliated institutions. Prior to entering the nonprofit world, he spent over 25 years as the CEO, president and vice president of several multimillion-dollar corporations.

 

 

 

Kids First

Shaping Tomorrow: Effective AI Leadership in Education

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the landscape of teaching, learning, and school leadership. As AI continues to grow in prevalence, educators are increasingly asking how it can help preserve one of our most valuable resources: time.

In this dynamic session, we will explore how AI can streamline leadership tasks, support teachers, and drive meaningful school improvement efforts.

Participants will learn:

• Practical AI applications that enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and foster a culture of innovation in schools
• How to optimize your workflow, strengthen instructional leadership, and advance school improvement initiatives
• The knowledge and tools to harness AI’s potential for a smarter, more effective future in education

 

Dr. Jamie Burton

Dr. Jamie Burton brings over 30 years of experience in education, including 12 years as a classroom teacher and 18 years as a principal. He holds a doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership and has extensive experience presenting at both state and national levels. Currently, as a Leadership Coach and AI Specialist for Kids First Education, Dr. Burton helps schools nationwide leverage innovative practices and AI tools to elevate teaching and learning.

 

 

 

Alabama Department of Revenue

Understanding the CHOOSE Act in Alabama

Schools across Alabama are preparing for year 1 of the CHOOSE Act, which provides refundable income tax credits to support the success of every K-12 student in our state. For schools, their families, and families interested in an independent school, now is the time to learn what the CHOOSE Act means for you.

Participants will learn:

• Latest updates and information regarding the historic rollout of school choice in Alabama. Participants will hear directly from the state agency tasked with creating the framework for Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s) for eligible families to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses
• Next steps and best practices for Education Service Providers (ESP’s) as they receive questions and requests from current and prospective families

Cameran Clark

With nearly 20 years of experience at the Alabama Dept. of Revenue, Cameran Clark holds a comprehensive knowledge of tax administration, tax legislation, and fiscal analysis. Clark serves as ALDOR’s Department Secretary, as well as Director of Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs. In recent months, she has been a guiding voice for schools and parents regarding the CHOOSE Act.

 

 

 

Catapult Learning, LLC

Building a Culture of Achievement

Having a culture of achievement requires an intentional effort by school leaders to put achievement at the focus of everything their school does. Educators in this course will examine the four domains for building a culture of achievement—climate, time, celebrations, and communication—and explore and adapt ideas and strategies to grow within each domain.

Participants will:

• Analyze their current practices within the four domains for building a culture of achievement
• Assess their school’s strengths and areas for improvement within each of the four domains
• Create an action plan for enhancing their school’s culture of achievement

 

Dr. Sheri L. Miller-Hoskin

Dr. Sheri L. Miller-Hoskin is a visionary education and business professional with
outstanding qualifications in K-12 educational leadership, leadership development, and
business operations in both education and business markets. A passionate educator who is
committed to revolutionizing the way we deliver education in our schools, Sheri brings
extensive experience as a former teacher, elementary and middle school principal, and
senior executive in districts across the U.S. She brings extensive experience leading
school turnaround and transformation in many of the country’s largest urban epicenters;
leading over 150 U.S. and international schools.

 

Brandy Kerbow

Brandy Kerbow is a dynamic education consultant with over 25 years of experience equipping educators and school leaders with innovative, evidence-based strategies. She specializes in supporting both private and public schools through customized services in instructional design, leadership coaching, and professional development—creating student-centered learning environments that foster academic excellence. Brandy has partnered with schools across the country, delivering tailored training and coaching to elevate instructional practices and build leadership capacity.

 

 

Spring Valley School

Dr. Laura Fiveash

Dr. Laura Fiveash is the Executive Director of AISA member Spring Valley School located in Birmingham, AL, and has more than 20 years’ experience advocating for children covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). At Spring Valley School, she serves students in grades 1-12 with learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD.

 

 

 

Bayside Academy

Russ Connell

Russ Connell is the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at Bayside Academy in Daphne, Alabama.  Prior to his move to the beautiful Eastern Shore, he served many years at AISA member school The Donoho School in Anniston, Alabama, as a teacher, coach, advisor, Dean of Students, and the Middle and Upper School Director.