In the ever-evolving landscape of independent school leadership, managing financial and operational challenges has never been more complex. For over two decades, NBOA has been dedicated to supporting independent school business leaders by providing the network, expertise, professional development, and resources they need to plan and thrive. Today, I’m thrilled to share an exciting milestone: the launch of NBOA Advisory Services, a wholly owned subsidiary designed to address the unmet needs of school leaders in managing their financial health and operational excellence.

As the leader of this new initiative, I am proud to continue NBOA’s longstanding commitment to advancing business excellence in independent schools. Throughout our engagement with school leaders, we’ve identified a critical gap: the need for high-level, specialized consulting services that extend beyond what NBOA’s traditional membership model provides. To meet this need, NBOA Advisory Services was born. It’s a natural evolution of our work, focused on offering tailored, actionable solutions for strategic financial leadership, tracking financial health and sustainability, and ensuring schools are prepared for a bright, impactful future.

Our approach leverages the vast NBOA network, alongside data and insights from NBOA’s Business Intelligence for Independent Schools (BIIS) platform. Key tools like the Financial Sustainability Heat Map, the Composite Financial Indicator (CFI) Calculator, and our 10-year Long-Range Financial Model will ensure that each school has the leadership, insights, and strategies needed to navigate today’s challenges. By building on NBOA’s existing resources, NBOA Advisory Services adds even greater value to NBOA membership. Whether through membership or engagement with our consulting services, schools will benefit from a comprehensive, strategic approach to managing their finances, operations, and leadership transitions.

NBOA has always been deeply committed to supporting the business officer profession. With NBOA Advisory Services, we’re further extending this commitment by offering customized solutions in areas like financial modeling, interim placements, executive coaching, and, when the time comes, career transitions. This is a crucial extension of our service to business officers – who are often at the heart of many independent schools' financial health and strategic direction.

Spearheading NBOA Advisory Services is an honor that is wonderfully aligned with my professional mission. As executive vice president of NBOA, and throughout my career in the industry, I have seen firsthand how powerful informed leadership can be for independent schools. The team I’ve assembled for this new initiative shares a deep commitment to financial excellence and a passion for the future of independent schools. Our advisors are seasoned professionals who have faced the same challenges school leaders do. Their real-world experience ensures that the solutions we provide are not only effective but also practical.

As we move forward, NBOA Advisory Services will be a trusted partner in helping your school navigate the complexities of the modern educational landscape. We are excited to support your long-term financial health and operational excellence, just as we have supported our members since 1998. I encourage you to explore more about NBOA Advisory Services on our website and stay connected with us as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

Thank you for your continued trust in NBOA. I look forward to partnering with you through NBOA Advisory Services.

James Palmieri, Ed.D., CAE
Chief Executive Officer, NBOA Advisory Services
Executive Vice President, NBOA