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.
Human Resources
Danyel O'Farrell
Director of Human Resources
The Potomac School
McLean, Virginia
Danyel O’Farrell has been instrumental in revolutionizing human resources at The Potomac School. Upon introducing an HRIS several years ago, she spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the school’s hiring processes. From formalizing job descriptions to implementing new candidate sourcing strategies, standardizing interviews, and streamlining onboarding through the HRIS, O’Farrell's initiatives have significantly improved efficiency, allowing her team to focus on strategic initiatives. Additionally, O’Farrell oversees the annual Diversity Hiring Fair, which she adapted to a virtual format during the pandemic while maintaining a personalized approach.
McNamee’s ability to handle difficult conversations, legal matters, and administrative duties sets her apart as a leader in New York independent schools.
Loretta McNamee
Director of Human Resources
Trinity School
New York, New York
For over 25 years, Loretta McNamee has managed all aspects of HR for a staff of over 250 employees at Trinity School. Her accomplishments include professionalizing HR processes, enhancing employee relations and implementing strategic initiatives. McNamee’s ability to handle difficult conversations, legal matters, and administrative duties sets her apart as a leader in New York independent schools. She is a founding member of the NYC HR Directors group and represents HR on the NYSAIS Business Affairs Council, where she has twice co-chaired the annual NYSAIS Business Affairs Conference.
Facilities
Tony LeMenager
Director of Facilities
Holderness School
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Tony LeMenager has transformed Holderness' facilities department, professionalizing operations and ensuring regular training for his team in lead and asbestos mitigation. Collaborating with a trustee, he implemented a system to track cyclical replacements and deferred maintenance, enhancing budget planning. He led preparations for the replacement of sewer lines built over by I-93, installing an emergency tank for sewage bypass. Additionally, Manager worked to extend the life of the old gravity-fed water system, ensuring sufficient pressure for fire suppression.
His dedication to the school is evident in his immediate response to facility issues, often being the first on-site despite living 30 miles away from campus.
Jimmy Vess
Director of Facilities
The John Cooper School
The Woodlands, Texas
Jimmy Vess has served as the director of facilities for 18 years, overseeing numerous construction projects and improvements, including turf field installations, bleacher additions and extensive remodeling projects. A strategic thinker, Vess also implemented maintenance protocols and long-term equipment replacement plans. His dedication to the school is evident in his immediate response to facility issues, often being the first on-site despite living 30 miles away from campus. His commitment to safety and efficiency, along with his diverse construction background, has saved the school significant costs and enhanced the overall campus environment.
Cally Vevers
Director of Facilities
Bennett Day School
Chicago, Illinois
In the role of director of facilities, Cally Vevers has not only enhanced the school's campus but also forged impactful cost-saving measures with the business office. Notably, they shifted from an external vendor to an internal facilities team, saving the school $50,000 annually while improving the service for the faculty with faster turnaround times on cleaning and maintenance. Their decision to eliminate multiple vendor contracts resulted in a substantial $75,000 savings, allowing for more strategic investments in other areas of the institution. A friend to many, Cally is known for delivering notes of gratitude to colleagues throughout the building, taking a moment to acknowledge their unique efforts.
Technology
Pablo Hernandez
IT Manager
American School of Guatemala
Doral, Florida
Pablo Hernandez implemented efficient processes, brought in modern technology solutions, and fostered a culture of accountability within the team, leading to a significant improvement in overall IT operations at the American School of Guatemala. His implementation of efficient processes and negotiation skills with suppliers has saved an average of $200,000 annually. Pablo's efforts have also had a measurable impact on student and faculty satisfaction, as evidenced by the school's Net Promoter Score (NPS) increasing from negative numbers to +57 in the time he has worked at the school.
Laurie Underwood
IT Director, Director of Instructional Technology
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Dover, New Hampshire
Laurie Underwood has implemented transformative changes to the school’s technological infrastructure and educational capabilities. Her recent accomplishment includes successfully implementing a 1:1 laptop program for the upper school, following the previous rollout for grades 3 through 8. Underwood also spearheaded the adoption of a new learning management system that expanded streaming capabilities for school events and broadened access for international parents.
