leadership through service award

The MISBO Leadership Through Service Award recognizes individuals or partner organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their commitment to MISBO and to serving the aims and ideals of the association. This award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to our community by exemplifying the values of selflessness, dedication, and a profound commitment to positive leadership.

NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED

Criteria: 

1. Active Member of MISBO from a member school or partner organization.
2. Demonstrated Service Commitment: Nominees for this award must have a proven track record of dedicating their time, skills, and resources to serve others. Their commitment to service should be evident through a substantial and sustained period of volunteerism to MISBO. Examples include regular contributions to the growth and development of professionals at other schools as seen by sharing on the listservs, mentoring, teaching in MISBO programs, and being willing and eager to advance the aims of the association through connecting and building the community.
3. Inspirational Leadership: Recipients of this award should have served as inspirational leaders within the MISBO community. 
4. Impactful Contributions: Nominees should be able to show tangible and meaningful contributions to furthering the mission of MISBO.
5. Collaboration and Empowerment: Successful candidates will have demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups and empower others to become active participants in MISBO activities. They should have a track record of fostering a sense of community and unity among those they serve.
6. Sustainability and Innovation: The award recognizes leaders who have not only contributed significantly to service but have also shown innovation and sustainability in their efforts. This may involve creative problem-solving, developing new programs, or finding innovative ways to address long-standing issues.
7. Ethical Leadership: Nominees should exemplify the highest ethical standards in their service leadership. Integrity, honesty, and a commitment to ethical conduct are essential qualities for this award.

Selection Process:

The MISBO Leadership Through Service Award is bestowed through a rigorous process:

1. Nomination: Members of the community are invited to submit nominations for individuals or organizations they believe deserve recognition for their service leadership.
2. Review Committee: A panel of respected individuals, often comprising past award recipients and community leaders, reviews the nominations. They evaluate each nominee's qualifications based on the established criteria.
3. Finalists Selection: The review committee selects a group of finalists whose service leadership aligns most closely with the award criteria and makes a recommendation to the MISBO Board of Trustees which makes the final decision. 
4. Recipient Announcement: The recipient of the MISBO Leadership Through Service Award is announced at the MISBO Annual Conference.
5. Celebration: The award recipient is celebrated for their exceptional service leadership, and their achievements are highlighted to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

2025 Recipients:

Alan Weiler (Athens Academy): With nearly thirty years in independent schools across Georgia, Florida, and Nevada, Alan Weiler has been a steady hand, a trusted mentor, and a respected voice of reason in our field. He has served MISBO on the board and on EIS committees, consistently showing up ready to do the work on behalf of schools and their communities.

Alan is the kind of leader who would never seek recognition for himself, which makes honoring him all the more meaningful. His colleagues describe him as a steadfast resource who quietly and consistently lifts others up. Independent schools are stronger because of Alan’s leadership, and MISBO is proud to call him one of our own.

Lee Arledge (USI Insurance): has redefined what it means to be a consortium partner. From delivering the go-to benefits survey to sharing timely and practical insights through webinars, hot topics, and conference sessions, Lee has helped countless schools make more informed decisions and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Beyond his professional expertise, Lee is deeply committed to building strong relationships and fostering community. His work on the Consortium Council and his efforts to welcome and support new partners reflect the collaborative, forward-thinking spirit that MISBO values so highly. Lee’s contributions have strengthened our network and advanced the work of schools across the region.

Dianne Sagaas (MISBO): has devoted nearly three decades to shaping, guiding, and championing MISBO. Since joining the organization, she has consulted with schools and supported them from the ground up, expanded professional development offerings, taken DER to new heights, and elevated sponsorships and partnerships to unprecedented levels. Her influence has touched nearly every aspect of MISBO’s work and growth.

After 28 years of service, Dianne retired at the end of 2025. Her legacy is woven into every corner of this community, from the schools she’s supported to the colleagues and partners she’s mentored and inspired. Honoring her with the Leadership Through Service Award is a fitting recognition of a career defined by generosity, vision, and unwavering commitment to independent schools.

2024 Recipients:

Paul Ibsen (Former Assistant Head of School and Business Officer): Paul, who recently retired after a 23-year career as an independent school business officer, has been a long-time advocate for independent schools. His distinguished career includes service in the U.S. Coast Guard, the insurance industry, and key leadership roles within MISBO, NBOA, and NCAIS. His commitment to volunteerism and collaboration has made a lasting impact on the community.

Ginny Phillippi (Senior Vice President, Truist): Ginny has led the Education Specialty Practice at Truist since 1993, managing banking relationships with more than 60 private schools, colleges, and education-related foundations. She has been a steadfast supporter of education throughout her career and is actively engaged in the community, serving on the boards of the Better Business Bureau, its foundation, The Cam Newton Foundation, and the advisory board of The Joel Chandler Harris Association. A graduate of Auburn University, Ginny is a dedicated Auburn Tigers fan and has carried on a family tradition of cheering from the same seats since 1952.

2023 Recipients:

Julie Ray (Retired, previously CFO at Mount Paran Christian School): Julie is a former board member and board chair of MISBO. She was an active participant on the listservs and at MISBO events both as a participant and as a teacher. She has encouraged her staff to become involved with MISBO. Additionally, Julie has taken numerous individuals “under her wing” as an informal mentor and a connector to all things MISBO.   

Jana Kane (Regional VP of Sales at FACTS): Refers more new members to MISBO than any other consortium partner. She has been the first to sign up to sponsor events and she has helped MISBO teach other consortium partners what MISBO is all about. She has been innovative in her approach to Sourcing Solutions and her business ethics are beyond reproach. Jana embodies the concept from Drucker that efficiency is doing things right and effectiveness is doing the right things.