When: May 28, 2026 – 8:00 AM – 3:20 PM (Happy Hour until 4:30 PM)
May 29, 2026 – 8:00 AM – 12 PM
Where: Bishop Miege High School, Roeland Park, KS (5041 Reinhardt Dr, Roeland Park, KS 66205)
Who: All individuals interested in advancing Catholic schools
Why: Join us for an energizing in-person conference designed to equip Catholic school leaders, staff, and volunteers with proven tools and fresh strategies to elevate their school’s advancement efforts.
Through an inspiring keynote and hands-on breakout sessions, you’ll gain practical insights in critical areas such as development, enrollment management, donor engagement, marketing, alumni relations, strategic planning and more—leaving with actionable plans to grow your school’s mission, impact, and long-term sustainability.
7:30 – 8:15 AM – Mass, Presider: Archbishop Shawn McKnight
8:00 – 8:25 AM – Check-in, Light Breakfast
8:30 – 8:40 AM – Welcome and Introductions
8:40 – 9:25 AM – Keynote: Catholic Schools as Centers of Evangelization
9:30 – 10:20 AM – Breakout Session #1
10:30 – 11:20 AM – Breakout Session #2
11:30 – 12:20 PM – Breakout Session #3
12:20 – 1:20 PM – Lunch, Networking, Vendor Tables
1:30 – 2:20 PM – Breakout Session #4
2:30 – 3:20 PM – Breakout Session #5
3:20 – 3:25 PM – Wrap Up / Conclusion
3:25 – 4:30 PM – Happy Hour
8:00 – 8:30 am – Check-in, Light Breakfast
8:30 – 9:25 AM – Workshop #1, 1:1 Meeting, or Work Time
9:30 – 10:25 AM – Workshop #2, 1:1 Meeting, or Work Time
10:30 – 11:25 AM – Workshop #3, 1:1 Meeting, or Work Time
11:25 – 12 PM – Work Time, Networking, Vendors
* Spaces throughout the school will be available until 12 PM. Attendees are welcome to use these areas to work, collaborate with colleagues, and connect with others.
The chapel at Bishop Miege High School will be open throughout the day. Attendees are welcome to stop in at any time for quiet reflection and prayer.
Breakout Session #1, 9:30 – 10:20 AM
Jo Weller, Managing Director at the Brown Family Foundation – Kansas City
Most grants fall short not because of writing, but because the strategy isn’t clear. Learn how to align mission and vision with measurable benchmarks and actionable tasks to build a focused micro-strategic plan that inspires funder confidence. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen your approach, with an optional Day 2 workshop to apply the work in a hands-on setting.
Sarah McCambridge, Marketing Director at Bishop Miege High School
If you’re running social media for a school, chances are it’s just one of many hats you wear. This session is built for you. We’ll dig into how to make social media manageable and effective with the time you have. This session explores how to turn everyday moments into compelling social media content that strengthens your brand and mission. Every school has powerful stories. The challenge is telling them in a way people will see, feel, and share.
Michael Barvick, Senior Partner at Partners in Mission
Making the ask is only one part of a successful advancement strategy. Growing your school or institution’s philanthropic support depends on building strong and lasting relationships with your benefactors. In this session, participants will learn ways to engage with donors before, during and after making a solicitation in order to bring them closer to your mission and ensure they increase their investment both now and into the future.
Chief Communication Officers at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Catholic schools are communicating constantly, but not always strategically. The result is fragmented messaging, duplicated efforts, and missed opportunities. This session will walk through practical, real-world approaches to building a cohesive communications strategy that aligns your team, clarifies your message, and strengthens your mission. It will include proven frameworks, common pitfalls to avoid, and actionable steps you can implement immediately to bring order, consistency, and impact.
Kirsten Wondra, Associate Superintendent for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
Grounded in improvement science, this session will explore practical ways to identify the right problem, study variation, test small changes, and measure what matters most. Participants will leave with simple tools–including driver diagrams, process measures, and continuous improvement strategies–that help school leaders move from data collection to action in advancement, enrollment, and long-range planning.
Tracy Smith, Admissions Consultant at Facts
A campus tour should do more than show classrooms–it should communicate who you are and why your school matters. This session will help you refine your tour so it clearly reflects your Catholic identity, community and culture. You’ll walk away with clear guidance on what to stop doing, what to start doing, and simple, proven strategies to help your tours feel intentional, welcoming, and aligned with your school’s mission.
Breakout Session #2, 10:30 – 11:20 AM
Mary Carter, Principal at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Advancement is vital to the sustainability and mission of elementary schools. This session shares practical strategies to strengthen engagement, increase giving, and build community through Day of Giving campaigns, Impact Reports, and events like Grandparents Day. Learn how to tell your school’s story with purpose, inspire generosity, and implement a simple, year-long communication plan. Ideal for leaders managing multiple roles, this session offers clear, adaptable tools to grow a culture of stewardship and support.
Fr. Matt Nagle, Pastor; Andrea Hillebert, Principal; Dan Spindler, Facilities Committee Chair at Mater Dei Catholic School
The Catholic Parochial school is the tried and true way we partner with our parents to pass on the Catholic Faith to the next generation. And it must be a partnership between parents, parish, and school. In this session, we will talk about how we work together to advance our mission, to understand differing needs and priorities to create a leadership system that values honest feedback, honors different perspectives, and views healthy conflict as a positive part of the decision-making process.
Michael McGlinn, Founder at Sistine Films
Since 2010, Michael has specialized in creating gala and admissions films for Catholic schools, from elementary campuses to universities. In this session, he will share the creative and production processes behind films that strengthen messaging, inspire audiences, and move donors to action. Through real-world examples and practical insight, attendees will discover how to create stories that stay on budget, on time, and deliver lasting impact, with time included for Q&A.
Norberto Ayala Flores, Puente Marketing
You may already know why engaging Hispanic families matters – demographics, culture, and mission. We’ll focus five practical tactics your school can implement in the next 30 days, no big budget required.
Maureen Engen, Principal; Mike Riley, Future President of Bishop Miege High School
Hospitality is not a strategy – it is a reflection of the Gospel. We welcome others as Christ welcomes us. Hospitality is evangelical. The way we greet, listen, and accompany others becomes a witness to Christ’s love. Every adult in the building owns hospitality. It is not just the admissions. First impressions matter.. Greet immediately. Ask someone’s name. Remember it. Make eye contact. A smile communicates that you belong here. Hospitality means presence. Help people feel seen. Many scenarios.
Tracy Smith, Admissions Consultant at Facts
If admissions feels reactive instead of strategic, it may be time for a reset. This session invites you to take an honest look at your prospect plan, website, and application process through the eyes of today’s families. We’ll discuss how schools attract and engage prospective families, how timelines influence decisions, and how your application can support mission alignment–not just data collection. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can apply right away.
Breakout Session #3, 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
Bill Maloney, President at Fiat Development Consulting LLC
An annual appeal for a Catholic elementary school is often an overlooked strategy for raising funds. It is, however, a very cost-effective way to raise funds and to broaden your development program. Come learn why an annual appeal is important and some strategies to get started. Added Bonus – Let’s talk about how we can maximize the impact of the Education Freedom Tax Credit that will begin in 2027.
Meghan Davison, CCS Fundraising
Alumni are one of your school’s most powerful and often underleveraged resources — but staying connected over the years takes intentionality and the right data foundation. This session will equip Catholic school advancement professionals with practical strategies for finding, reconnecting with, and engaging alumni at every stage. From database best practices to segmentation and outreach, you’ll leave with a clear framework for turning alumni relationships into mission-driven giving and long-term sustainability for your school.
Eduardo Godinez, Chief Storyteller at Cuervo Media Inc.
Visibility is a matter of stewardship. This session moves beyond technical jargon to focus on Digital Trust, which is the art of ensuring your organization is found by those who need your mission most. We will explore how search engines view your authority and how strategic shifts in your digital infrastructure ensure your story reaches the right audience.
Michael Barvick, Senior Partner at Partners in Mission
An annual appeal for a Catholic elementary school is often an overlooked strategy for raising funds. It is, however, a very cost-effective way to raise funds and to broaden your development program. Come learn why an annual appeal is important and some strategies to get started. Added Bonus – Let’s talk about how we can maximize the impact of the Education Freedom Tax Credit that will begin in 2027.
Kathleen Wallace, Program Director at Holy Trinity Early Education Center
In this session, attendees will review best practices for onboarding new staff members and find new strategies for creating an onboarding process that’s organized, effective, and promotes staff retention.
Breakout Session #4, 1:30 – 2:20 PM
Caitlin Casey, Associate Sales Consultant at Finalsite
With so many school options out there, today’s families need information that is quick to find, addresses their pain points, and leads them to the next step. How can you ensure your website meets its goal to spread the word about your school, bring new right-fit families into your community, and keep your current families engaged as volunteers, donors, and brand ambassadors? Our session focuses on easy-to-implement suggestions and long-term strategies for your website’s success. Bring your questions!
Ellen Riley, Director of Development; Mary Arcos, Director of Marketing at Resurrection Catholic School
Learn how to design fundraising events that truly reflect and engage your unique community. This session will highlight practical strategies for maximizing existing resources, building on what you already have, and creating meaningful experiences without unnecessary costs. Discover how to be intentional with planning so you can reduce expenses while increasing impact. Walk away with ideas to help you get the biggest return on your efforts, bringing in more support for your organization while spending less.
Andrea Hillebert, Principal at Mater Dei Catholic School
Your school has a Mission Statement. You’ve crafted a Vision. You know “the words” that define your school. (And if your school doesn’t have those – yet – we’ll talk about how to form them). This session begins with the premise that the most impactful step a principal can take is ensuring that every decision, every action, every discussion comes back to: This is who we are. This is what we do. It is the exact opposite of limiting. It allows your school to grow with intention and authenticity. And that authenticity is what people feel when they walk in the doors.
Steve Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications at Benedictine College
With more than 45 years of experience in marketing and public relations, including 22 years in higher education, Steve Johnson will take attendees of this session through the movement, speed and effectiveness of marketing initiatives from print and standard mail to email, text messaging, social media and now artificial intelligence.
Andy Tylicki, President; Dr. Shane Rapp, Principal; and Sam Rockford, Director of Educational Programming at St. James Academy
Do you feel like you’re building the plane while you fly it? Do you find yourself in “ready, SHOOT, aim” mode? If so, learn how a strategic plan can help your organization find its way. This session will focus on what goes into a strategic plan, how it can guide and focus your decisions, and how it can change the trajectory of your school.
Chris Fay, President and CEO of Contract Furnishings
Whether you are designing a new space, looking to re-configure an existing space, or simply hoping to refresh the look of a space, the ability to successfully concept, plan, and budget is crucial. This class provides an analytical overview of the key steps, resources, and timelines associated with a space planning project. We will cover best practices for gathering concepts & ideas, estimating costs, and projecting timelines for the successful execution of a project.
Breakout Session #5, 2:30 – 3:20 PM
Dr. Vince Cascone, Superintendent of Schools at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
This session is suited for principals, presidents, and pastors, focusing on how to see the talents and gifts of those with whom you work. We will discuss how to mentor these individuals and create opportunities for them to develop as leaders?
Derek Lyssey, Executive Director at the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas
Many Catholic school leaders are unsure how endowments work or whether they are realistic for their communities. This session provides a clear, practical overview of what endowments are, how they differ from other funds, and why they matter for long-term sustainability. Participants will learn how endowments support mission-driven priorities, strengthen advancement efforts, and create lasting impact. The session also outlines simple, achievable steps schools can take to begin building an endowment with confidence and clarity.
Felicia Holcomb, Consultant for Marketing and Enrollment Management for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
You get 7 seconds to prove your school is safe, welcoming, and worth it. Every detail- from the front door to the office team- makes or breaks that first impression. Join this session for quick, proven strategies to nail that moment, boost enrollment, and build lasting trust.
Thom Fox, Principle Consultant at Why Wise
Wonder how you’re submission will ever stand out in the pile of proposals on that foundation program officer’s desk? Your information probably isn’t much different than those of your competitors, but your APPROACH can be! Almost every grant application asks for the “Elemental Eight” pieces of information: Need Statement, Program Description, Target Population, Sustainability, Capacity, Outcomes, Budgets and Attachments. This session will offer advanced techniques and easily-incorporated strategies for all of them, taking every answer to a championship level.
Lisa McKelvey, Director of Stewardship and Development at the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
This session will explore how to take event attendees and connect them with the mission, growing into sustained regular donors that support every aspect of your mission.
Fr. Oswaldo Sandoval, Pastor at Our Lady of Unity and St. John
Join a panel of experienced pastors as they share honest insights, practical wisdom, and lessons learned while leading and supporting Catholic schools through seasons of growth, challenge, and renewal. Rooted in mission and guided by hope, this conversation will explore how pastors can strengthen school vitality, build strong parish-school relationships, and foster a culture where Catholic education thrives.
From 8:30 to 11:30 AM, 1:1 or team meetings will be available with the individuals listed below. Advance registration is required and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. During the event, if a 30-minute time slot has not been reserved, attendees are welcome to drop in and meet with one of the below individuals.
Workshop #1, 8:30 – 9:25 AM
Debbie Herrman and Vince Anch, Catholic Education Foundation
Representatives from CEF will provide information on the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship program and conduct a Q&A.
Eduardo Godinez, Cuervo Media Inc.
Information is only as good as its implementation. In this interactive workshop, we move from strategy to execution by conducting a live digital audit of your search footprint. We will focus on the practical tools and story first tactics that drive real engagement. From optimizing local search profiles to refining keywords that matter to Catholic families, you will walk away with a personalized action plan to ensure your mission is no longer a best kept secret.
Jane Rall, Office of Catholic Schools
Learn how to set meaningful quarterly goals that help boards, business teams, and advisory councils stay focused and move schools forward. This workshop will provide practical frameworks, meeting tools, and accountability strategies that strengthen leadership, governance, advancement, and operational vitality.
Workshop #2, 9:30 – 10:25 AM
Jo Weller, Brown Family Foundation of Kansas City
Building upon Day 1’s breakout session, attendees will apply the work in a hands-on setting, creating micro-strategic plans and utilizing practical tools to strengthen your approach.
Felicia Holcomb, Office of Catholic Schools
Building upon Day 1’s presentation, attendees will conduct an audit of the prospective parent experience, identifying areas of strength and needed improvement, to include actionable items for both the short-term and long-term.
Cally Dahlstrom, Principal at Our Lady of Unity Catholic School
This workship is designed to help schools create a welcoming and inclusive culture that strengthens Hispanic and Latino family engagement and student enrollment. Participants will explore strategies for building meaningful relationships with families, improving communication, and celebrating cultural diversity within the school community. The session will also provide practical ideas for increasing outreach, fostering trust, and ensuring that all families feel valued and connected.
Workshop #3, 10:30 – 11:25 AM
Jane Rall, Office of Catholic Schools
Create a clear, manageable advancement calendar that supports fundraising, enrollment, communications, events, and donor stewardship throughout the year. Participants will receive practical tips, tools, templates, and timelines to help bring greater organization, consistency, and focus to their advancement efforts.
Felicia Holcomb, Office of Catholic Schools
Building upon Day 1’s presentation, attendees will conduct an audit of their social media, identifying patterns of engagement and future opportunities. Be prepared to have others view your pages and provide you with real-time feedback.
Advancement is the umbrella term for all things having to do with the promotion, continuation, and enhancement of an organization. For Catholic schools, advancement plays and essential role in ensuring the vitality and sustainability of a Catholic school.
The following are included in advancement:
Anyone involved in the advancement of schools may attend. This may include, but is not limited to:
Yes! We welcome anyone involved in the advancement of Catholic schools. We truly believe we are better together and can learn from one another.
Registration is now open! Early bird registration discounts are available until April 15th! Click here to register!
In late April, registrants will be sent a form to sign up for the breakout sessions.
It is highly recommended to send a team of AT LEAST two (2) people to the conference to support implementation after the conference.
As in previous years, we anticipate 25-30 different breakout session topics. Details are presently being finalized.
Topics will cover all aspects of advancement, to include:
The cost will be announced in February.
Yes, registration is required.
The 2026 conference will be held at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas.
A continental breakfast, full lunch, and light snacks and drinks will be available throughout the conference.
The exact menu will be shared at a later date. Alternative options will be provided for those with dietary restrictions.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle to help us reduce waste.
Speakers and attendees are asked to dress business casual. We encourage layers as temperatures can vary in buildings during the summer months!
In preparation for your presentation, please complete the 2026 Advancement Conference Speaker form (your bio information, headshot, title of presentation and description, and session time availability).
In preparation for your sponsorship, please complete the 2026 Advancement Conference Sponsorship form.