Experience

Peoria Academy

• United States
• Hospital & Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head Of School

  • Jun 2020 - Present

  Peoria Academy is a PK-8 independent school for 140 students in Peoria, Illinois. We are implementing the International Baccalaureate Programme for our students in the coming school year.



Christopher Wilson Strategic Consulting

• Founder and Lead Consultant

  • Jun 2020 - Present



The Bement School

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head of School

  • Jul 2016 - Jun 2020

  I initially joined this K-9 day and boarding school with 225 students to improve their financial sustainability through fundraising and enrollment growth. In this role, I lead academics, development, and operations while overseeing 62 faculty and staff. I also direct fundraising activities, including soliciting major gifts and serving as donor steward. DELIVERED RESULTS:► Modernized the administrative structure based on best practice and clarified faculty and staff duties.► Reversed a YOY decline in enrollment and delivered a 20% increase by building an intentional educational community with common vision. ► Increased annual revenue 30% over four years and increased net assets by 17%.► Boosted boarding capacity and delivered $1M+ in additional revenue by acquiring and renovating new dormitories.► Diversified the international boarding student population and boosted domestic boarding from 25% to 40%.► Elevated secondary school placement outcomes by strengthening curriculum rigor, raising admissions standards, and creating a full-time administrative role to support students in pursuing enrollment. ► Executed a complete school rebranding including new website, marketing collateral, and admissions messaging.This work has served to improve Bement’s reputation from a mid-tier junior boarding school to top two nationwide. FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP:► Raised charitable giving by 80% and doubled annual fund giving after launching three major gift campaigns, new naming opportunities, and capital efforts. ► Raised $1M+ to purchase a nearby property for an outdoor activity center and classroom space.► Enhanced donor engagement by launching an annual giving report, implementing donor stewardship events, and introducing new donor recognition options.► Increased the average gift size from international families by establishing an ambassador program.► Tapped into our alumni population by launching engagement events in Boston, NYC, Washington D.C., and San Francisco.



Esperanza Academy of Lawrence

• Head of School

  • Jul 2011 - Jun 2016

  I joined this tuition-free, independent middle school serving low-income girls in Massachusetts to transition them from a startup to institutional maturity. In this role, I drove strategic planning, board development, and mission-centered decision-making while leading a team of 20 faculty and staff. I also led all facets of fundraising including the annual fund, student sponsorships, and donor cultivation events.DELIVERED RESULTS:► Realized a 100% graduation rate and an 80% college admission rate versus the 40% and 12% averages respectively for the same population. ► Founded a teaching fellow program in collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of MA and AmeriCorps to establish a pipeline of qualified faculty.► Transformed the board of directors from a startup board to a mature guiding force by overhauling member and trustee expectations and launching new committees to drive tactical direction.► Guided the school in earning their first accreditation from the Association of Independent Schools of New England.► Expanded opportunities for students after graduation by nurturing relationships with area independent and boarding schools and by designing a comprehensive program for graduate support.FUNDRAISING LEADERSHIP:► Doubled annual funding from just over $1M to ~$2.5M through proactive donor solicitation. ► Implemented two marquee giving events, increased the grant writing program, and expanded the foundation and corporate giving leadership to drive growth. ► Established a 1.5M endowment to cover one year of operating expenses to enable a sustainable financial future for the young organization.► Elevated fundraising, school footprint, and volunteer and supporter engagement by fostering relationships with Boston-based organizations, such as State Street and the Boston Red Sox.► Secured $12K in funding support for each student by launching a sponsorship program.



Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy Baltimore

• Principal

  • Jul 2006 - Jun 2011

  As assistant headmaster, I managed the day-to-day school operations for this Jesuit school for boys with low-income, at-risk students and 24 faculty and staff. In this role, I conducted classroom visits, curriculum oversight, and professional development to ensure student success. I also recruited, trained, and supported faculty and staff while maintaining the intern and volunteer teacher program. To support development efforts, I also assisted in donor stewardship and fundraising event planning.DELIVERED RESULTS:► Maintained a 99% graduation rate and an 80% post-secondary education rate, which is much higher than the high school graduation rate for the same population of students in Baltimore.► Reduced faculty turnover and developed an engaged faculty pipeline by elevating a two-year teaching fellow program in partnership with AmeriCorps.► Earned the school’s first accreditation by Maryland schools.► Initiated job readiness and internship programs to expand student opportunities post-graduation.

• Assistant Headmaster

  • Jul 2003 - Jun 2006



Friends School of Baltimore

• United States
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• History Teacher

  • Aug 2001 - Jun 2003