Linda Dennison Email & Phone Number

Natick, Ma, Us

United States

Eldersburg, Md

Consulting and coaching firm founded to strengthen individuals and organizations through mindful leadership training, strategic visioning, design thinking, and operational effectiveness.

Lead all finance and operations of an independent school with 150+ employees and a $24 million budget. Supervise human resources, facilities, food service, transportation, and auxiliary programs. Ensure legal and regulatory compliance.

Crownsville, Maryland

Accounting and business tutor

Andover, Massachusetts

Responsible for strategic oversight and direction of Academy-wide financial planning, budgeting, analysis, and reporting. Additional essential functions included oversight of debt management, investment operations for $1.3B endowment, and all regulatory compliance related to accounting, investment and tax matters. Led the Comptroller’s office including twelve individuals responsible for cash management, tuition billing, accounts payable, payroll, and investment banking.Selected Highlights to date:♦ Renegotiated and extend the Academy’s line of credit from $20M to $140M♦ Renegotiated two of the Academy’s three bonds; improving interest rate and repayment terms, reducing the Academy’s MADS♦ Selected, negotiated, and transferred endowment to new custodian♦ Completed subscription and side letter election agreements for investment partnerships

Crownsville, Md

Deputy Head of School and CFO (7/1/2018 to 6/14/2019)Associate Head for Finance and Operations (6/2014 to 6/2018, promoted to Deputy Head of School July 2018)Direct all finance and operations to contribute to the stability of an independent school with 130+ employees, 2 campuses and a $13 million budget. Create sustainable revenue model with map to achieve new model; budgets, cash-flow projections; including strategic and multi-year financial plans. Oversee human resources including staffing and personnel management. Oversee technology, facilities, food service, transportation, and auxiliary programs. Complete special projects and construction as funding allows. Ensure regulatory compliance. Collaborate daily with Lower School Head on student discipline. Support Division and Department Heads daily. Act in the absence of the Head of School. Selected Contributions to date:♦ Create, implement and direct flexible tuition program responding to market demands for pricing changes. First year stabilized the school's enrollment and resulted in $325,000 net tuition revenue in excess of budget.♦ Assist in the sale of ICS’ legacy campus, the redesign of US campus and plan for co-occupancy during construction.♦ MISBO+IDEO Redesigning Future of Schools cohort member.♦ Research and recommend coding curriculum for Lower School.♦ Create new financial reporting package to bolster accountability and improve the leadership team's ability to measure performance by targeting and achieving goals.♦ Restructure facilities office to maximize staff capabilities within each campus.♦ Restructure technology office to maximize staff capabilities given transition to Blackbaud, integration with Haiku and expansion of BLinc (Blended Learning at Indian Creek).♦ Managed construction of a $4.2 million outdoor athletic complex.

Participated in the spin-off of the Baltimore division to an independent entity. Directed all finance and operations to contribute to the stability and growth of independent school with 60 employees and $4.5 million budget. Created revenue models, budgets, cash-flow projections, and multi-year financial and strategic plans. Administered human resources functions including staffing and personnel management for Baltimore. Oversaw development, technology, facilities, transportation, and summer program. Completed special projects as funding allows. Ensured regulatory compliance. Selected Contributions:♦ Created first business office for Baltimore.♦ Created new financial reporting package to bolster accountability and improve the leadership team's ability to measure performance by targeting and achieving goals.♦ Increased division productivity by redesigning critical business office processes, including purchasing, cash receipts, and accounts payable.♦ Worked with major donor to close the Division’s first endowment gift. ♦ Worked with technology consultant to redesign school’s technology infrastructure.

Short-term assignment to direct financial operations and controls to contribute to the stability and growth of independent school with 40 employees and $3 million budget. Prepare revenue models, budgets, cash-flow projections and multi-year financial and strategic plans. Administer human resources functions including staffing and people management, compensation, benefits and training programs. Oversee facilities and serve as special projects lead. Ensure regulatory compliance. Selected Contributions:Analyzed trends and devised innovative solutions to increase enrollment and diversify revenue streams, effectively turning around performance of auxiliary programs despite economic challenges.Crafted a new financial reporting package to bolster accountability and improve the leadership team's ability to measure performance in targeting and achieving goals.Increased productivity by 33% by automating critical business office processes, such as cash receipts and enrollment contracts.

Launched and directed the Consulting Services Division from the ground up, and oversaw delivery of quality, customized financial, strategic, governance, leadership and operational consulting services to a diversified client base of independent schools. Key contributor in development and management of online curriculum, workshops, symposia and presentations for independent schools' staff and leaders. Authored and edited content for publications.Selected Contributions:Built and grew the respected consulting program from scratch; defined processes for every kind of consulting engagement offered, from client inquiry through project management, execution and evaluation.Pinpointed trends and repetitive issues facing independent schools, and formulated leading-edge solutions (presentation/training program content, engagements and projects) to help each client overcome challenges and achieve success.Earned a reputation as a subject matter expert; presented at national and local conferences for independent schools on topics such as leadership, strategic planning, finance and accounting, governance and regulatory issues.Assisted in developing curriculum for Graduate Certificate Program through Johns Hopkins University, and assisted in the creation of curriculum for virtual programming.

Stepped into key leadership role to oversee financial management (budgeting, accounting, financial controls) as well as human resources and operations. Maintained accountability for the school's $4 million operating budget and $1 million strategic initiatives budget. Managed, trained and motivated diverse business, facilities and administrative personnel. Led improvement projects and strategic initiatives.Selected Contributions:Closely monitored the progress of all projects and initiatives, and made immediate changes when necessary to maximize finances, timelines and results.Devised the multi-year financial plan and tracked compliance over time.

Led and guided financial, administrative and human resources operations. Directed accounting and budget management processes; expertly controlled the $4 million budget. Listened attentively, and enforced the schools' mission established by the Board. Supervised leaders and support staff responsible for business, health (nursing), technology and administrative functions.Selected Contributions:Developed the multi-year financial plan to improve cash flow and maximize budgets while promoting the vision and objectives of the Board of Trustees.Provided insight and direction in short- and long-range strategic business plans.Increased efficiency in business office processes by redesigning financial and budget reports.

Initiated, managed and strengthened relationships with donors and prospects, including school alumni and other stakeholders. Defined policies for gift acceptance, donor relations and accounting. Prepared data for the gift section of the annual audit. Selected and implemented planned giving software; wrote procedures to educate staff on the new system, ensuring accuracy in generating detailed reports.Selected Contributions:Ensured continued financial growth by nurturing strong relationships with 130+ major gift prospects.Designed donor development and stewardship programs to increase visibility and heighten financial support with alumni and potential donors throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Appointed to the executive team to oversee financial, operational and human resources functions. Controlled the $6.5 million budget. Managed accounting, financial planning and performance analysis. Integrated the Board's vision and campus master plans in developing a comprehensive, long-range financial plan. Led team of office, school store, building services, technology, auxiliary enterprises and ice rink managers and staff. Selected Contributions:Directed capital improvement and construction projects with superior on-budget, on-time results.Successfully administered the multimillion-dollar budget in accordance with the mission, goals and improvement strategy of the institution.In concurrent role, taught AGT (advanced algebra that applies the principles of trigonometry) and substituted for economics teacher during fourth quarter.Coached Girls' JV Ice Hockey

Managed and executed financial and operational matters for the school, as well as daily human resources administration. Concurrently established a positive, productive environment and an accessible and dedicated houseparent in dormitory for junior/senior girls.** *** **

Master'S Degree, Educational Studies

Graduate Certificate, Educational Leadership For Independent Schools

Graduate Certificate, Business Leadership For Independent School

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Accounting

Education record

Coaching Certification Courses, Pursuing Path To Level To, Currently Acc Candidate