Association Of Independent Schools In Ne

Boston, MA ยท Founded 1970

Professional association supporting equity and excellence in New England independent schools

Primary audience
Independent Schools
Work area
Professional Association
Topic
Educational Support
Contact
Sara Wilson
Website Contact

About Organization

The organization serves as a membership association for independent schools across New England, providing professional development, marketing support, and operational resources. Based in Boston, MA, it operates with 8 employees and generated $2.4 million in revenue in 2024. Founded in 1970, the association focuses on strengthening member schools through collective programs and services.

What They Focus On

Professional Development

Training programs and learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and school leaders in independent schools

Equity and Inclusion

Resources and initiatives to help member schools create more equitable and inclusive educational environments

Member Support

Operational resources, marketing services, and collective purchasing programs to strengthen independent school operations

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$2.4M

+4.8% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$2.3M

+9.9% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$2.4M

+2.8% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

8

+14.3% vs 2023

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2024 $2,383,874 $2,297,649 $2,378,346 8
2023 $2,275,719 $2,090,736 $2,314,010 7
2022 $2,019,506 $1,923,842 $1,982,610 7
2020 $99,376 $125,211 $2,088,033 9
2019 $1,507,171 $1,623,098 $1,392,986 8
2018 $1,604,520 $1,600,946 $1,388,104 10

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Member Engagement

    Independent schools join the association to access collective resources and professional networks

  • 02

    Program Development

    Staff design training programs and services based on member needs and educational priorities

  • 03

    Professional Learning

    Educators participate in workshops, conferences, and ongoing development opportunities throughout the year

  • 04

    Collective Impact

    Member schools strengthen their educational programs and operations through shared resources and collaboration

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Association Of Independent Schools In Ne

Professional Learning

Training and development programs for educators and administrators in independent schools across New England

Equity and Inclusion

Initiatives and resources to advance equity practices and inclusive environments in member schools

Marketing and Sponsorships

Collaborative marketing support and partnership opportunities for member schools and organizations

Member Services

Operational support, technology resources, and collective purchasing programs for independent schools

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Association Of Independent Schools In Ne.

Sara Wilson

Sara Wilson

Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $197,184
Jeff Covello

Jeff Covello

Director of Marketing and Sponsorships
Full-time
Compensation: $142,925
Alexander Noren

Alexander Noren

Director, Finance, Technology, & Operations
Full-time
Compensation: $140,627
Eliza Alexander

Eliza Alexander

Director of Research & Special Programs
Full-time
Compensation: $138,842
Beth Friedman

Beth Friedman

Director of Accreditation
Full-time
Compensation: $105,514
Becky Biggs

Becky Biggs

Director of Professional Learning and Community Programs
CL

Claire Leheny

Former Executive Director (Thru 6/30/24)
Full-time
Compensation: $150,851
RB

Rebecca Biggs

Director Of Professional Learning
Full-time
Compensation: $147,974
BB

Brad Bates

Vice President
1 hrs/week
LC

Lise Charlier

President
1 hrs/week
AG

Allison Gaines Pell

Director
BH

Brian Hargrove

Director
CC

Charles Carter

Director
DH

Danielle Heard

Director
GC

Grace Cotter Regen

Director
IS

Indu Singh

Director
JT

Jadi Taveras

Director
JZ

Jennifer Zaccara

Director
KK

Kristy Kerin

Director
NT

Noni Thomas Lopez

Director
RG

Renee Greenfield

Director
SP

Sarah Pelmas

Director
SH

Sharon Howell

Director
SL

Sophie Lau

Director
YC

Yully Cha

Director

Milestones

1970

Association Founded

1970

Organization established to support independent schools in New England region

1972

Tax-Exempt Status

1972

Granted IRS recognition as tax-exempt membership association for educational institutions

2022

Revenue Growth

2022

Organization revenue increased from $2.0 million to $2.4 million over two years

2024

Leadership Transition

2024

Sara Wilson appointed executive director following Claire Leheny's tenure

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AG
Allison Gaines Pell Director 1.00 hrs/week
Allison Webster
Allison Webster Secretary 1.00 hrs/week
BH
Brian Hargrove Director 1.00 hrs/week
CC
Charles Carter Director 1.00 hrs/week
DH
Danielle Heard Director 1.00 hrs/week
GC
Grace Cotter Regen Director 1.00 hrs/week
IS
Indu Singh Director 1.00 hrs/week
JT
Jadi Taveras Director 1.00 hrs/week
JZ
Jennifer Zaccara Director 1.00 hrs/week
KK
Kristy Kerin Director 1.00 hrs/week
NT
Noni Thomas Lopez Director 1.00 hrs/week
RG
Renee Greenfield Director 1.00 hrs/week
SP
Sarah Pelmas Director 1.00 hrs/week
SH
Sharon Howell Director 1.00 hrs/week
SL
Sophie Lau Director 1.00 hrs/week
Tara Gohlmann
Tara Gohlmann Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week
YC
Yully Cha Director 1.00 hrs/week
Lise Charlier
Lise Charlier Head of School, The Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MA
Brad Bates
Brad Bates Head of School, Dublin School, Dublin, NH

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$1.2M

Highest Paid

$227K

Sara Wilson

Compensated Officers

7

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Sara Wilson Executive Director (As Of 7/1/24) $197,184 $29,535 $226,719 35
Alexander Noren Director Of Finance, Technology & Operations $140,627 $31,579 $172,206 35
Claire Leheny Former Executive Director (Thru 6/30/24) $150,851 $17,573 $168,424 35
Eliza Alexander Director Of Research & Special Programs $138,842 $29,116 $167,958 35
Jeff Covello Director Of Marketing And Sponsorships $142,925 $20,411 $163,336 35
Rebecca Biggs Director Of Professional Learning $147,974 $14,797 $162,771 35
Beth Friedman Director Of Accreditation $105,514 $11,467 $116,981 35

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$145K

Total Forgiven

$146K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

7

Loan Details 1 loan

$144,965
Forgiven
Forgiven: $146,153 100%
Approved Apr 28, 2020
Lender Rockland Trust Company
Jobs Reported 7
Forgiven On Mar 1, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Lobbying Activity

Lobbying Disclosure Act registrations

Self-Lobbying
6 Registrations
6 Clients
Yes Self-Lobbying

Clients 6 total

American Association Of Independent Music
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Mortgage Experts (Aime)
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Rental Operators
1 filing
Self
Association Of Independent Research Institutes
1 filing
Self
National Association Of Independent Schools, Inc..
1 filing
Self
A
Association Of Indepenedent Passenger Rail Operators
1 filing

Source: Senate Office of Public Records — Lobbying Disclosure Act

Contact

Get in touch with Association Of Independent Schools In Ne

Phone

(617) 329-1483

Social

Visit Website
7 Whittier Pl 108 Pmb 155 Boston, MA 021141408