- Home
- About CAIS
- Professional Learning
- Accreditation
- Membership
- Resources
 |
 |
2023-2024 CAIS Sustaining PartnersThank you to our sustaining partners for their generous support!At its core, we believe the CAIS Partnership Program is about a partnership between organizations that serve CAIS schools and the schools themselves. To learn more about our partnership program, contact Christina Dixcy. Principal Conference Partners
 CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With more than 8,500 people, nearly 130 U.S. locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. For more information, visit CLAconnect.com. CLA is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Contact: John Toscano
Finalsite is the premier provider of website, marketing, enrollment and communications software for nearly 3,000 independent schools in 119 countries. With a 96% retention rate and 98% client satisfaction score, we make it easier to market your school, manage enrollment and communications, and strengthen your online presence—helping your school community to connect, engage, and thrive.Finalsite products and services include award-winning website designs, a robust content management system, a dynamic mass notifications system, enrollment management software, integrated mobile app, innovative inbound marketing tools, data integration, training, support and marketing consulting.
Contact: Anthony Tata
Flagship Networks is a proven, trusted Managed and Professional IT Services organization that operates as an integrated arm of your businesses—understanding, predicting, and solving your business IT challenges. Flagship has over two decades of experience working with customers across all industries, from independent schools to healthcare, municipalities, and professional practices. Our comprehensive consulting, design, implementation, monitoring and support capabilities, combined with profound industry knowledge and IT expertise, help our clients achieve their technology goals and run their business more productively.
Contact: Giovanna DeSimone
Key Conference Partners
Cross Insurance is one of the largest family held insurance brokerages in the country, supporting businesses of all sizes with property & casualty insurance, risk management programs, as well as employee benefit plans. Cross is headquartered in Bangor Maine and has over 50 offices across the East Coast, including 10 in Connecticut. Our education practice is focused on helping independent schools with the design, implementation, as well as administration of individualized property & casualty programs. We strive to act as an extension of the business office and serve as the outsourced risk advisor to trustees and school leadership teams. Contact: John Gover, 717-979-9838
 CCiVoice is a full service local telecommunications company with a history of 42 years in the phone business! We are a soup to nuts telecom provider, offering our own hosted phone service (we are your phone carrier, your phone system and your support), premise phone systems, networking, cameras, access control and cabling. Over the years we have become especially attuned to the unique needs of independent schools and we're grateful to count 9 (and growing) ConnecticutIndependent schools among our hosted phone service clients, as well as schools in Massachusetts and New York. We know schools often have to stay up to date with technology while also grappling with older infrastructure and we love that challenge! We also know many schools have top notch IT people but other, smaller schools, may not have a dedicated IT resource, so our technicians and engineers can either collaborate with your IT staff on project planning and implementation or we can assume the role of your IT staff ourselves. Give us a call or shoot us an email because we'd love to hear from you.
Contact: [email protected], 203-664-1777
 Since 1947, CCS Fundraising has empowered many of the world’s greatest organizations to advance some of the most important causes in history. As leading consulting experts in campaign and development strategy, we plan and implement fundraising initiatives to help nonprofit organizations make a bigger impact—locally, nationally, and globally. At CCS, we understand the unique value proposition of an independent school education and the vital role that philanthropy plays in helping schools achieve their mission. In the past year alone, CCS Fundraising experts partnered with over 130 schools, many of them in Connecticut, as trusted advisors and thought partners, working shoulder-to-shoulder with them to design and to implement successfully the endowment, capital, and annual fundraising initiatives that help schools change lives.
Contact: Bob Weston
 Contact: Tausha Bahm, 402-325-7265
 FLIK Independent School Dining WE BELIEVE EVERY MEAL IS A MOMENT TO EAT, SHARE, AND CONNECT... EAT to Nourish: Nourishing students and school communities is more than our business–it’s our commitment to building strong bodies and fueling sharp minds. SHARE Knowledge: Rooted in nutrition education, we ensure the student experience and the entire campus community can make healthy food choices every day. CONNECT Community: We are responsible for creating an environment of respect for each other and our planet. Through local partnerships, we can better support our local community together. Contact: Meaghan Light
 Fred C. Church Insurance, a member of AssuredPartners, is a nationally recognized provider of innovative risk management and insurance solutions for K–12 independent day and boarding schools. Since forming our education practice in 1994, we have become the broker for more than 350 educational institutions, including colleges, universities, charter schools, over 240 independent schools, and 45 prominent outdoor and adventure organizations. Here in Connecticut, we have been the sole broker and risk management adviser since 2006 for the Nutmeg Group. This highly successful risk management consortium currently serves 58 independent schools. Led by Julie Price, Amy Daley, Bobby Riley, Mike Lucas, and Chris Duble, the members of the Fred C. Church education team are long-time, loyal supporters of CAIS. Contact: Julie Price
 ISM is dedicated to advancing school leadership to enrich the student experience. Rely on over 46 years of research, knowledge, and experience to move your school forward. Offering consultations, surveys, learning events, insurance coverage, and industry-leading tech tools, we build and deliver creative strategies for schools using extensive research, proven management techniques, and personalized service. Learn more at isminc.com.
Contact: Aimee Gibson
 Contact: Carl Sharrio, 410-339-3950
 Contact: Jessica Mantzaris, 860-251-5000
 Contact: Ashley Schiffer and Christa Maull, 860-657-8077
TIAA was founded in 1918 to help teachers retire with confidence. That mission grew to include those in healthcare and more, creating reliable income for their futures while they work to make a difference today. Our commitment to be the change—for our clients, associates and communities—has never wavered and it’s what motivates us to deliver lifetime income for all with investments that build a better world. Contact: Janet Lorden
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy P.C., with three offices throughout the state of Connecticut, represents a wide range of education law clients in a variety of practice areas including Commercial Lending and Banking, Employment, Healthcare, Real Estate, Governance, Taxation, Environmental, and Trust & Estates. We believe in a common sense approach to legal issues and challenges facing our education and business clients. Our firm provides legal and counseling services to independent schools on a variety of matters. Our attorneys have the expertise to help schools navigate internal and external investigations, student discipline issues, employment issues, municipal tax exemption matters, school/parent relationships, board relationships and governance issues, by-law reviews, student, parent and faculty handbook reviews, and vendor, staff and faculty contract preparation and review. Contact: Christopher Brigham, 203-786-8310
Select Conference Partners
 Armanino is one of the 20 largest independent accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. Armanino provides an integrated set of audit, tax, business management, consulting and technology solutions to companies in the U.S. and globally. The firm helps clients adapt and change in every stage of business, from startup through rapid growth to the sale of a company. Armanino emphasizes smart technology, leading a cloud revolution of financial, operational, sales and compliance tools that are transforming the way companies do business. In addition to its core consulting and accounting practices, Armanino operates its division, AMF Media Group, a media and communications services agency.Contact: Megan Kurtz, 925-466-3318
Bartlett Brainard Eacott (BBE) offers comprehensive construction services for independent schools.
Contact: Beth Taylor
Centerbrook designs diverse and sustainable buildings for independent schools, research institutes, civic and cultural organizations, colleges and universities, businesses, and religious congregations. Since its founding in 1975, Centerbrook has grown into a practice of 61 from seven countries focusing on design innovation and environmental responsibility. Centerbrook’s work has been recognized more than 400 awards for design excellence, including the National AIA Firm Award, the highest honor the American Institute of Architects confers. Centerbrook has been commissioned by 55 private independent schools to design master plans, athletics facilities, classroom buildings, residence halls, power plants, student centers, science buildings, music and studio arts centers, dining halls, and headmaster’s houses. Contact: Todd Andrews, 860-767-0175
Contact: Simon Tumansky, [email protected]
Connecticut Independent Schools Health Plan (CISHP) was established in 1993 to offer a health insurance program available to independent schools who are members of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Eligibility was updated due to ACA requirements that participating schools must have 50 or more eligible employees. CISHP offers medical (choice of 5 plans), dental, vision, life and disability plans. The CISHP program is overseen by an Executive Committee comprised of finance leaders from CAIS member schools and the President of CAIS. Contact: John Duggan of Willis Towers Watson, 860-756-7419
Recognized for outstanding client service and accessibility to decision makers, ConnectOne Bank offers creative solutions to independent schools for tax-exempt bond financing and taxable financing of capital improvements, including loan terms up to 30 years and fixed rate offers up to 20 years. Our cash management suite of products and services enables schools to leverage technology and create a virtual bank branch in their business office. Contact: Mark Cardone, 908-206-2860
Contact: Jack Strain, 617-774-1555
Contact: Kurt Breckheimer, 347-232-7366
Independent schools engage EarlyBird Power to save money on their energy costs. CAIS selected EarlyBird Power to manage the CAIS Energy Coop, an energy buying group that leverages the volume of 46 participating schools. By aggregating the total load of the group, each school is able to secure the lowest available rates for their electricity and natural gas supply. CAIS member schools also seek EarlyBird's expertise in leveraging rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, sourcing green power, and exploring solar installations on their campuses. Contact EarlyBird Power if you would like a no-cost utility bill audit or to learn more about the CAIS Energy Coop for your school. Contact: Sean Kenney, 617-548-3205
FORVIS ranks among the nation’s top 10 public accounting firms, helping unlock the potential of our clients, people, and communities. We deliver an Unmatched Client Experience™ with assurance, tax, and advisory services that reflect our exceptional capabilities and uncommon commitment to excellence. Discover how our forward vision can help you prepare for what’s next. Contact: Joseph Blatt, 646-253-5253
Gregory & Howe is a Management Company that provides personalized service and solutions to clients that are required to comply with State and Federal Safety regulations. Gregory & Howe reduces the administrative burden which allows our clients to focus on their core competency. Contact: George F. Howe, Jr., 203-543-0913
We are the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor founded in 1871. We serve commercial and individual clients with data driven risk solutions and advisory services. We are a business of Marsh McLennan (publicly traded on the NYSE: MMC), the leading global professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. With annual revenue approaching $21 billion and 85,000 colleagues worldwide, Marsh McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment through four market-leading businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Oliver Wyman, and Mercer. Contact: Susan Wrinn, 860-938-0624
MDG is an insurance broker assisting schools with the design, implementation and administrations of employee benefit & healthcare insurance programs. Our agency services a variety of clients in the education space. Employee benefit plans are customized to each school's needs. Contact: Matthew Libby, 203-315-0505
Contact: Rich Bartlett, 860-716-8846
Contact: Jason Markhoff, 804-805-5061
Founded in 1996, PC University is a full-service technology solutions provider. We deliver todays best technology solutions and educational programs, as well as competitive pricing from more than 500 leading manufacturers giving you or your school / company the technology tools you need to succeed. We can help you access the right technology for your needs - quickly, easily and affordably! Our wide-ranging product line includes computer hardware, software, interactive display panels, printers, 3D printer solutions, projectors, document cameras, video, sound, software licensing, A/V equipment, scanners, supplies, laptops, workstations and servers. With a combined 60+ years of experience selling to the educational and government markets, at PC University we are confident that we can be of assistance in finding solutions to fit your needs and your budget.
Contact: David Kreisberg
 Peter Gisolfi Associates, founded in 1976, is an award-winning firm of architects, landscape architects, and interior designers, with a different point of view. Our mission is to design "places" -- buildings or groups of buildings which connect emphatically to outdoor spaces. These places relate strongly to their setting, and respect local and regional history, context, and traditions.The firm, modeled after design studios in schools of architecture, is a place of learning. We think beyond the boundaries of conventional solutions to be effective stewards of the environment. We listen and learn from each other, from the world at large, and from our clients.Our projects include academic buildings, campus master plans, academic and public libraries, municipal buildings, hotels and restaurants, commercial and corporate spaces, housing, private residences and gardens, urban space plans, parks, athletic fields, and recreation facilities. Contact: Mariela Ortega
If you look at a list of PKF O'Connor Davies' services they may look like many other firms. We provide accounting and assurance' tax compliance and planning services, family once and advisory services. But at PKF O'Connor Davies we know it's not what you provide that defines you, it's how you provide it and who delivers it that makes all the difference. Our longstanding commitment to serving not-for-profit organizations and special forte in Independent Schools equips us to bring meaningful experience and practical knowledge to administrators and their governing boards. In addition to outstanding audit and tax services, our advisory support helps managers address business issues that grow in quantity and complexity with every graduating class.
Contact: Robert Cordero
Since 1919, Pullman & Comley has continued to grow and adapt to meet our clients' changing needs, helping them to address the challenges and opportunities of every economy. We serve major financial institutions, public and private companies of all sizes, health care providers, service businesses, trade associations, manufacturers and emerging growth businesses in the alternative energy and information technology industries, as well as government entities, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and individuals.
Contact: Sally Laroche, 203-330-2000
 Stifel is a broker/dealer investment bank with the capacity to serve independent schools as an independent financial advisor and/or underwriter. As a broker/dealer, Stifel has the ability to assist independent schools directly, without reliance on any third-parties, in executing both bank-based financing and the issuance of bonds in the public market. Our services include providing financial modeling, debt capacity analysis, capital funding plan development, market insight, RFP services to commercial banks, Moody's or S&P rating services, swap advisory services and serving as a school's partner through a successful closing in either the bank or public market. We pride ourselves on being a resource to our independent school clients leading up to, during and after a financing.
Contact: Natasha Walth, 617-691-0954
Toddle is an end to end teaching and learning platform for progressive schools. It integrates curriculum planning and mapping, standards-based and traditional assessments, progress reports, family engagement, and integrates with your SIS — all through a user-friendly interface. This saves teachers valuable time and allows them to focus on what they do best: teach.
Contact: Natasha Mellini
TSKP STUDIO is a diverse architectural practice that continues the legacy of our founder, Tai Soo Kim, who grew the firm to international recognition through a dedication to hard-work, exploration and commitment to logical and elegant design. Our work follows no set style but rather it responds to the unique context of each site and client to arrive at a design solution so simple and elegant as to seem obvious. By embracing the diversity and talents of our staff we leverage a broad range of skills and experiences to provide fresh solutions to complex challenges. Regardless of project scope, size or budget, our definition of success is creating spaces that positively impact the life, productivity and wellbeing of our clients and end-users. Contact: Stephanie Beals, 860-547-1970
The Yay Company is a modern school lunch program offering custom meal solutions for schools and families to elevate the standard of how kids eat.
Contact: Robin Kocen
Click to view our 2024-2025 Partners. |
ChalkBooks
Paymerang
Announcements
New Mailing Address!
Connecticut Association of Independent Schools
PO Box 460
Southington, CT 06489
Southington, CT 06489
Partner Highlights
