Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the NBOA Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes the invaluable contributions made by independent school business, finance and operations staff who are not chief business officers. From revolutionizing financial oversight to driving operational excellence and embracing a spectrum of responsibilities, these profiles showcase the dedication and expertise of individuals shaping the future of independent school administration.
Accounting & Finance
Martha E. Alvarez
Finance Manager
American School of El Salvador
Miami, Florida
Martha Alvarez has transformed the business office at American School of El Salvador through the implementation of innovative systems and processes. Notably, she applied design thinking to create the MyEA online enrollment and payment portal, facilitating contactless payments during the pandemic. This platform also enabled additional initiatives, like a payment link for the school store and cafeteria services. Martha's improvements include enhanced budget control with clear presentations for the finance committee and board, ensuring informed decision-making and fiscal prudence.
Sharelle Buyer
Controller
The Columbus Academy
Gahanna, Ohio
Since 2018, Sharelle Buyer has driven significant improvements in the business office over by migrating the department to a new accounting software, implementing a current monthly closing process, and modernizing the school's athletics department with an online payment system for coaches. Buyer also revamped the school's concession stand operations with a POS system. In addition to her regular responsibilities, Buyer took on the role of human resources director for several months when the role was unfilled. Her versatile approach and expertise have transformed the business office into an efficient and up-to-date operation.
Her ability to manage the budget helped to put Steward in its strongest financial position in 50 years.
Dena Dickson
Controller
The Steward School
Richmond, Virginia
Dena Dickson revolutionized financial oversight at The Steward School through the creation of a comprehensive financial dashboard. This tool, presented annually to the board, provides detailed and graphical insights into the school's financial health, enabling informed decision-making. Dickson also oversees the budget process, working closely with all departments on projections and financial needs. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures accurate records, timely payroll and well-supported faculty and staff. “Her ability to manage the budget helped to put Steward in its strongest financial position in 50 years,” said a nominator.
Sarah Guelich
Assistant Director of Business and Finance, Director of Human Resources
Newark Academy
Livingston, New Jersey
Sarah Guelich joined Newark Academy in 2006 as an accounts payable bookkeeper, rose to assistant director of business and finance in 2008, and assumed the role of director of human resources in 2019. Her commitment to professional development, including NBOA offerings, enhances her effectiveness in managing complex personnel matters with empathy and protocol. She implemented crucial policy initiatives around employee leave and remote working, and she led the addition of Title IX compliance when the school received PPP funds.
Throughout these changes and the challenges, she keeps a positive attitude and outlook, and puts in the required effort (and beyond) to ensure success for our team and organization.
Kim Hauser
Business Office Manager
St. Mary’s School of Medford
Medford, Oregon
As business office manager, Kim Hauser spearheaded several major software migrations throughout her tenure, most notably, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) and food services transitions. Hauser also played a leadership role in overhauling the expense management systems and establishing a business credit card. “Throughout these changes and the challenges, she keeps a positive attitude and outlook, and puts in the required effort (and beyond) to ensure success for our team and organization,” said a nominator. Her willingness to go above and beyond extends beyond professional duties, as she is known as a friend to many.
Josephine Leary
Controller/Business Manager
Salisbury School
Salisbury, Connecticut
With over 16 years of dedicated service, Josephine Leary has continually refined financial performance and operational efficiency at the Salisbury School, from enhancing employee polices, to improving accounts payable processes, to streamlining payroll. During the pandemic, she assumed the role of acting CFO, during which time she worked diligently with the interim HOS and the Board to make sure that the finances and operations of the school remained strong. Leary’s commitment extends beyond her job description; she orchestrates staff gatherings with as much zeal as she closes financial books.
As a parent to two Ashley Hall students, Morrison is an ardent supporter of school programs, especially athletics.
Janet Morrison
Controller
Ashley Hall
Charleston, South Carolina
Janet Morrison has been an invaluable asset to the Ashley Hall Business Office for over 30 years, navigating five different CFO transitions with patience and mastery. Her institutional knowledge has been instrumental in quickly bringing new CFOs up to speed on the intricacies of financial operations. Morrison is known for her humility and dedication, consistently meeting deadlines and making time for colleagues with pressing issues. As a parent to two Ashley Hall students, Morrison is an ardent supporter of school programs, especially athletics.
Donna Prince
Controller
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
For over 25 years, Donna Prince has played pivotal role in the business office of the Latin School of Chicago. In addition to providing essential institutional knowledge through various leadership changes, Prince is in charge of onboarding all incoming business office staff. Her expertise has been instrumental in onboarding new team members, ensuring they are trained comprehensively and integrated seamlessly into their roles. Donna's dedication to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment is evident in the successful development of her team members, many of whom have ascended to leadership positions within the school.
