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SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATORS
June 16 - 18, 2025 | Baltimore, MD
JOIN US AT OUR 2025
SUMMER INSTITUTE!
The Finney Search Group is excited to host our third Summer Institute for Athletic Administrators on
June 16-18, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
This intensive in-person opportunity is designed to help current and aspiring high school athletic administrators network and learn from experts in their fields. With the ever-changing nature of athletic administration, athletic administrators must make time for continuing education, professional development and networking. Staying current on best practices, and developing a strong and accessible professional support network are vital.
Our 2025 Institute agenda will address some of the most current challenges facing today's "modern Athletic Director". Professionals in their fields will discuss solutions and best practices for the critical issues facing your athletic programs. Networking with your peers from around the country, both inside and outside the classroom, will be invaluable.
We'll help prepare you to best serve your student-athletes and coaches by staying current, connected and energized. We will enable independent school AD's to develop best-in-class athletic departments.
ABOUT
TOPIC 1 | College Athletics' Shifting Landscape and Its Impact on High Schools
The landscape of college athletics is undergoing significant transformations, particularly within the NCAA, driven by pivotal changes such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, evolving transfer policies, and the redefinition of amateurism. These developments are reshaping the traditional dynamics of collegiate sports, affecting the student-athlete recruitment process, compensation, and the overall governance structure. We are now preparing student-athletes in the 9-12 setting for a very different collegiate process than ever before.
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TOPIC 2 | Vertical/Horizontal Alignment
Aligning athletic programs both vertically and horizontally necessitates a unified philosophy, collaborative management of the PE/Athletics department, and strategic cross-campus collaboration. These efforts collectively enhance student experiences and promote equitable access to athletic opportunities. Achieving vertical and horizontal alignment within school athletic programs is essential for fostering student development and ensuring equitable access to resources.
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TOPIC 3 | Risk Management
Assessing risk within an athletic department is crucial to safeguard the well-being of student-athletes, minimize legal liabilities, and maintain the institution's reputation. Implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy not only reduces costs but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards. We will assess the risks facing today's school leaders and guide you on how to prepare and lead a safe and equitable athletic department.
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TOPIC 4 | Social Media & Marketing
The material posted on social media frequently serves as the initial encounter a potential family might have with a school. It provides an avenue to showcase your current students, disseminate crucial information about events, and spotlight the traditions within your existing community. Our experts in the field will share insights on current trends, strategies to stand out in the market, and ways to engage your students in content creation.
TOPIC 5 | Building a Strong Partnership with College Counseling
College preparatory schools must be equipped to support student-athletes throughout the athletic recruitment process. While many student-athletes are identified through their club teams, great schools take an active role in guiding them through every step of their journey. This requires intentional collaboration between departments, proactive communication with families, and educating all students on the path to competing at the next level. This workshop discussion, will explore strategies for cross-departmental collaboration, effective programming, and meaningful ways to support and celebrate college-bound student-athletes.
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TOPIC 6 | The Importance of the Teacher Coach Model
The teacher-coach model has long been integral to independent school athletic departments, fostering strong relationships between students and faculty. However, increasing demands on educators have led to a rise in hiring external coaches, introducing challenges for athletic directors in terms of time management and mentorship. We will discuss how to adapt this model effectively in contemporary settings to provide the best experience for your student-athletes.
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LOCATION: The St. Paul's Schools
11152 Falls Rd.
Timonium, MD 21093
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COST: $1695 - Includes
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all Topics and educational workshop sessions
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all meals from Monday evening thru Wednesday evening
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daily transportation to and from the Delta Hotels Baltimore North to St. Paul's School. Rooms are reserved under a Finney Search Group block at $139/night (last day to book is Tuesday, May 20, 2025).
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does not include lodging and transportation to/from Baltimore.
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TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM RESERVATION CLICK HERE: BOOK HOTEL ROOM or call 1-410-532-6900
Ryan Taylor
Director of Athletics & P.E. Teacher
Unqwowa School, Fairfield, CT
“Thank you all so much for last week's amazing Summer Institute conference. It was such a truly rewarding and wonderful experience meeting you, all as well as the other Athletic Directors and professionals that attended and spoke at the conference. As I told Carol, I would absolutely love nothing more than to come back next summer and learn more, network, and spend time with all of the impressive, intelligent, motivated and caring individuals and professionals I met during last week. It was truly a meaningful experience. Thank you so much again Carol, Chris and Trey. You were all such awesome genuine people that I look forward to staying in contact and building a relationship with in the future.”
2025 SPEAKERS
MARK DAUS - KEYNOTE
Assoc. A.D./Resource Management Southern Methodist University
Mark Daus returned to SMU in February 2025 as Associate Athletic Director for Resource Management. In this newly created role, he oversees internal (cont.)
ALLIE TENNYSON
Director of Athletics &
Strategic Partnerships
Girls Preparatory School
Allie joined GPS in the summer of 2024, bringing a strong background in athletics, education, and student development. (cont.)
DUNCAN BOOTH
Chief of Staff
The St. Paul's Schools
Duncan Booth is the Chief Operating Officer at The St. Paul’s Schools in Maryland. Duncan has been at St. Paul’s for four years after sixteen years at (cont.)
KARA CARLIN
Director of Athletics
Friends School
Kara has coached lacrosse at the national, collegiate, and high school levels and was named to the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2013. She continues to stay (cont.)
SALLY DIEHL
Director of College Counseling
Roland Park Country School
Sally Diehl has served as Director of College Counseling at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore, MD since 2014. In this role she and her staff mentor students (cont.)
MARY JO PRUITT
Executive Director of Athletics
Mission College Prep School
Mary Jo brings a wealth of experience in athletic administration, coaching, and leadership development. She is currently the Executive (cont.)
2025 SCHEDULE
MONDAY
6/16
Arrival Day
5:30pm-8:00pm | Team Dinner and Networking
TUESDAY
6/17
7:30am | Breakfast & Networking
8:00am | Welcome Exercise
8:30-10:00am | Keynote Kickoff
Speaker:
10:00-10:15am | Break
10:30-12:00pm | Morning Session 2
Speaker:
12:00-12:45pm | Lunch
1:00-2:30pm | Afternoon Session 1
Speaker:
3:30-5:00pm | Small Group Workshops
Speaker:
5:00-9:30pm | Team Dinner and
Networking
WEDNESDAY
6/18
7:30am | Breakfast & Networking
8:00am | Campus Tour The St. Paul's Schools
9:00-10:00am | Morning Session 1:
Speaker:
10:00-10:15am | Break
10:15-11:15am | Morning Session 2
Speaker:
11:15-12:30pm | Morning Session 3
Speaker:
12:30-1:30pm | Lunch
Speaker:
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1:45-3:45pm | Panel Discussion
4:00pm | Departure
“Thanks so much for everything this year. The Summer Institute is exactly what I’ve been looking for since I started athletic admin work in 2007! We’ve figured out informal setups like these in our areas, I’m sure. But to have a go-to group outside of our school bubbles is such an advantage, and a great place to know we aren’t alone in figuring these issues out. Such a great opportunity!”