Blackbaud Enhances K-12 Advisory Board with New Director and Members

Blackbaud Strengthens K-12 Executive Advisory Board

Blackbaud, a leader in software dedicated to driving social impact, has recently welcomed new members and a new executive director to its K-12 Executive Advisory Board. This board is crucial for gathering insights from industry leaders in K-12 independent schools across the U.S. and Canada, assisting Blackbaud in refining technology solutions tailored to the sector's needs.

With the recent appointment of Austin Ewachiw, director of technology at Calvert Hall College High School, as the new executive director, the advisory board is poised to bring fresh perspectives to its ongoing mission. The board comprises 19 members, representing diverse roles, including admissions, technology, and academic operations, all offering invaluable expertise in various K–12 disciplines.

Mark Davis, vice president of education products at Blackbaud, emphasized the importance of these relationships: “Having direct access to private school leaders allows us to understand the multidimensional challenges and opportunities they encounter. This enables us to enhance user experiences through our Total School Solution, positioning us as key partners in supporting their communities.”

In 2024 alone, Blackbaud convened nine meetups involving over 500 K-12 independent school leaders, alongside ten board sessions and an annual retreat. These events focus on key discussions, ranging from the integration of AI in educational settings to product innovation driven by member feedback.

Recent collaborations highlight Blackbaud’s commitment to its advisory board’s insights. Schools such as American Heritage School and Nova Southeastern University University School have selected Blackbaud to improve operations across admissions, student information systems, learning management, financial aid, and tuition management. Longstanding partners, Punahou School and Pine Crest School, continue to leverage Blackbaud’s Total School Solution, embodying the trust and reliance schools place in their technology.

Jacob Glickman, associate head of school operations at Nova Southeastern University, stated, “The strong commitment Blackbaud has made to creating an effective advisory board within the K-12 sector encouraged our decision to choose them as our technology partner.” His remarks reflect a broader confidence among educational institutions prioritizing supportive and innovation-driven partnerships.

The board also bids farewell to Hiram Cuevas, the former executive director who significantly contributed to Blackbaud's growth over the past six years. His leadership has helped shape the firm's offerings to better suit their K-12 client's evolving needs.

Through consistent engagement with seasoned professionals in the education sector, Blackbaud’s enhanced advisory board stands positioned to steer the company toward clearer insights and innovative solutions, benefiting all stakeholders involved in the K-12 environment. The ongoing exchange of ideas and feedback from the advisory board promises to catalyze further advancements in both technology and operational strategies across educational institutions.

For further details regarding Blackbaud's K-12 solutions or to view the complete list of advisory board members, please visit Blackbaud's official website.