EVENTS
Summer Advancement Institute
Philadelphia, PA
June 17-19, 2026
Hosted by Delaware County Christian School
Join us in Philadelphia—the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence—as we mark its 250th anniversary and gather to explore what it truly means to be a school community of hospitality in Admissions, Development, and Marketing/Communications.
This year’s Institute is more than a professional development event—it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and mission-driven impact. Together, we’ll celebrate the legacy of Christian education, be inspired by the work ahead, and deepen our understanding of how your role shapes the future of Christian schools.
Through expert-led instruction and meaningful peer feedback, you’ll gain insight into how interconnected advancement teams create lasting influence. You’ll leave equipped with a strategic plan and the tools to design advancement architecture that draws families into your school’s mission from the very first moment.
Here is what is new:
- The SAI will include both deep learning in the Module format and breakout sessions (Short Courses) to engage you in more conversation and broader perspectives.
- More hot topics speed sessions to maximize your learning
- A time to invest in relationships with a taste of the Philly
But the journey doesn’t end in Philadelphia. Throughout the year, you’ll continue learning in monthly role-specific Collectives—spaces for accountability, problem-solving, and encouragement. These ongoing connections will help you refine your vision and amplify your school’s story.
Advancement is more than metrics—it’s the art of storytelling, generosity, and hospitality. At SAI, you’ll discover how your work builds legacy, invites others into the greater good, and propels the mission of Christian education forward.
Where: Delaware County Christian School (DC), Newtown Square, PA
Hotel Block: The Radnor Hotel, Radnor, PA
When: Check-in and campus tour begins at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and concludes with a time of worship at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 19, 2026. Please make your flight arrangements to depart PHL after 3:30 pm, OR stay for the weekend to enjoy celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Who: All of your advancement team will be engaged at SAI. With time to connect with peers in similar positions AND your team, you will have three days of incredible learning.
Questions? Reach out to Katie (kwiens@cesaschools.org)
Keynotes
Heather Templeton Dill
Heather Templeton Dill, is a mission-driven executive and board director who evolved the $3.4 billion John Templeton Foundation into a more globally focused and forward-looking philanthropic institution. After a decade as President, she now serves as Interim Director of the Templeton Prize, one of the world’s largest annual individual awards, honoring luminaries who bridge science, philosophy, and spiritual inquiry in profound and enduring ways.
A natural communicator and bridge-builder, Heather is recognized for bringing clarity of goals to boards and organizations in transition while fostering healthy, high-trust cultures. Her leadership has been marked by transparency, consistent communication, and a commitment to celebrating and elevating the work of others. Widely recognized for contributions to philanthropic innovation, civic life, and purpose-driven giving, she was a member of the Generosity Commission and a former Board Member of the Philanthropy Roundtable.
Heather began her career as a high school educator, where she developed a passion for encouraging curiosity and open-minded exploration in her students. She and her husband, Jeff, attended Delaware County Christian School (DC) from K-12 and later enrolled their four sons at DC, three of whom graduated in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
Heather’s keynote will explore the enduring mission of Christian education through the lens of someone who has experienced it as an alumnus, a teacher, a parent and a donor. Drawing on a professional and philanthropic life shaped by generosity, hospitality and community‑building, the address will highlight how these values strengthen institutions. You’ll be invited to see your advancement work as part of a much larger story, a legacy‑building ministry—one that forms future leaders, deepens connection, and ensures the long‑term vitality of Christian education for generations to com.
Holly Tate
Holly Tate, is the founder of The Ready Network, a consultancy that helps leaders and teams get ready for growth. She is an executive coach and growth strategist with 14 years of experience helping leaders unlock their full potential. With a passion for leadership development and culture creation, she partners with organizations to drive transformative growth.
Previously, Holly served as Chief Services Officer at Leadr, a software company that accelerates team performance. She built the company’s professional services division, empowering churches and businesses to make their managers better leaders. Prior to that, she served as Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Growth at Leadr, spearheading initiatives that expanded Leadr’s market reach.
A certified Working Genius Facilitator, Holly is deeply passionate about empowering others to achieve more than they thought possible. She is also a former member of the Forbes Communications Council, where she contributed to over 30 articles on communication, leadership, and organizational excellence.
Holly’s relentless pursuit of growth—both for herself and those she serves—has made her a trusted advisor to leaders and organizations striving for extraordinary results.
Holly lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband Elliott, daughter Iris, and their dog Scraps.
Holly’s keynote, ‘Leading Up’ with Confidence & Clarity, will explore how advancement professionals often find themselves caught between creative execution and strategic influence. Holly will unpack practical leadership principles for “leading up” — earning trust, shaping strategy, and aligning your work with your head of school’s vision. You’ll walk away with tools to elevate your voice, strengthen collaboration, and be seen as a strategic partner, not just an implementer.
Villanova University Learning Module
| We will spend the morning at Villanova University learning from their high‑performing advancement team, giving you a behind‑the‑scenes look at the systems, strategies, and structures that help them draw prospective students, parents, and alumni into the mission of the University and cultivate a community that is both joyful and loyal. During this immersive experience, you’ll explore how Villanova aligns its messaging, engagement pathways, and organizational design to strengthen relationships across generations. You’ll leave with practical insights, fresh ideas, and a clearer sense of how intentional advancement work can deepen connection and inspire long‑term commitment to your own institution. |
Breakout Session Highlights
This year’s Summer Advancement Institute will feature a series of breakout sessions designed to push you and your advancement team in the areas you have identified as growth needs. We will be releasing more of the sessions throughout the winter, but a few of those highlights are:
Penny Abrahams
Director of Marketing for LeadTeam Partners
Sessions:
- Social Media that Serves Your Mission: A Planning Playbook
- Designing Advancement for Next-Gen Families: Gen Y Parents and Gen Alpha Students
- Parent Volunteers: From Energy to Impact
Penny is a consultant specializing in constituent engagement for private and independent schools. She brings more than two decades of experience as a school administrator and consultant in marketing, communications, development, volunteer management, and governance. Her background includes serving as a workshop leader, consultant, and department head with Independent School Management (ISM) for over 15 years, and as an independent school Trustee for six years.
Penny has advised more than 100 schools internationally and is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences, known for helping leadership teams align mission, message, and community.
Chris Gabriel
Founder and President, WISEgenerosity
Sessions:
- Faith, Identity & Donor Engagement
- Transforming Your School Community through Generosity
Chris has more than 30 years of experience serving nonprofits and their donors as a development director, as a finance and fundraising consultant, and as a guide for successful philanthropists. He has participated in the gift process from every vantage point as a staffer, board member, consultant, financial advisor, and contributor. His process focuses on Optimal Giving, which seeks to maximize the benefits of charitable contributions for everyone involved.
Chris is an honors graduate of Yale and earned his master’s degree from Oxford. He has taught Bible studies and adult Sunday School for more than 20 years. He also has held multiple leadership positions in churches, ministries, and independent schools. Chris and his family belong to Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta. He is the recipient of the 2025 Greater Good Award from the Georgia Planned Giving Council.
Other Highlights
| A Philly Food Experience – Thursday, June 18 Our evening of networking will include a walking tour through the heart of Philadelphia and an opportunity to experience the beautiful, intentional design of this city. Along the way, you’ll sample some of Philly’s most iconic food favorites while soaking in the rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culture that define this beloved city. From legendary bites to hidden gems, we’ll explore Philadelphia one delicious stop at a time, engaging in an unforgettable blend of flavor, storytelling, and discovery while building relationships that will sustain you in your role. Planning a trip to Philadelphia with your family It’s a perfect moment to explore Philadelphia’s historic sites as the City of Brotherly Love, and as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From iconic landmarks to incredible cultural experiences, Philadelphia offers countless ways to connect with the stories that shaped the country. Below are a few helpful resources to guide your trip planning and make the most of your time in this historic city. |