Pre-Conference Session #1

Executive Director Boot Camp: A Roadmap for Education Foundation Leaders
Led by: Robin Callahan, CEFL, CFRE, CAP®, President of the Callahan Collaborative, and Gail Rothman, CEFL, Founder of Rothman Solutions and Interim Executive Director of the Newton Education Foundation

Stepping into the role of an education foundation leader can feel both exciting and overwhelming — especially when you’re “new in the chair.” Whether you’re a first-time executive director, a nonprofit professional transitioning into the education foundation world, or a board member serving as an interim or unpaid ED, this fast-paced and practical boot camp is designed to help you succeed from day one.
 
Led by two nationally recognized experts — and co-authors of Roadmap for Education Foundations: A Practical Guide to Growing an Education Foundation, Robin Callahan and Gail Rothman will guide participants through the essential knowledge and skills every education foundation leader needs.
 
This interactive, six-hour course blends real-world insight, case examples, and peer learning to deepen your understanding of the unique role of an education foundation executive director. You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to strengthen your leadership, clarify your partnership with your board and school district, and chart a clear path toward sustainable impact.

Key Topics Include:

• Understanding the ED role and navigating board relationships
• Fundraising fundamentals beyond events
• Financial management and fiduciary oversight
• Building authentic partnerships with your school district
• Fostering healthy board and staff culture
• Strategic storytelling and sustainability

By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with actionable tools, templates, and a network of peers who understand your challenges — ready to lead your foundation with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Schedule:

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Training
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM: Break
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Training
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Working lunch
12:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Final training elements & wrap up

*Includes lunch

*This will be held on-site at the conference hotel.

Cost: $125

Register Here

Pre-Conference Session #2

Excellence & Exploration: Immersive Learning Through A+ and VR
Led by Brett Bonner, Dean, AEF Academy & Dir. of Professional Learning, Arizona Educational Foundation; Mark Paulsen, Dir. of Education, Arizona Educational Foundation

Experience two of Arizona’s most innovative education programs in one immersive session! Spend 90 minutes with the Arizona Educational Foundation exploring the A+ School of Excellence® program, the only statewide self-assessment model in the nation designed to identify excellence in public education. Learn how AEF uses the A+ initiative to celebrate and support schools achieving exceptional outcomes through a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. Then, step into the future of experiential learning with Act One’s Virtual Reality Field Trips, which bring arts, culture, and science destinations directly into classrooms statewide. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for bring the A+ School of Excellence program to your state and ideas for enriching classroom instruction through technology and storytelling.

Schedule:

Please arrive at Arizona Educational Foundation (326 E. Coronado Rd., Ste. 207) by 11:30 AM. Lunch is provided. Attendees will depart the AEF office for the hotel at 2:45 PM.

11:30 AM: Check in and lunch in the courtyard
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch in the courtyard
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: A+/TOY session at AEF for all participants
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Transition to Act One/Bio Break
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Participants with Act One
2:45 PM: Depart for hotel via Waymo/Uber

*Includes lunch

*Attendees are responsible for transportation to and from this session.

Cost: $45

Register Here