The Association of Boarding Schools supports and advances prep boarding schools in the US, Canada, and around the globe. As a “community of communities,” TABS partners with school leaders—particularly Heads and Assistant Heads of School, Residential & Student Life Practitioners, and Admission & Marketing Professionals— to drive excellence, innovation, and collaboration so that every student thrives.
We also develop programs for schools to better identify and manage risks, most notably by our training around student safety and care, as well as through TuitionNet, the association’s tuition insurance program.
For all of the schools we serve, we create opportunities for true connection and sharing. We aim to help leaders cultivate academic communities that are inclusive, just, sustainable—and truly exceptional.
Before coming to TABS, Robin was the HR Manager for a Wendy’s franchise with 20 stores in North and South Carolina. She loves to play tennis, go for long walks, and work in the garden. Roses and peonies are her favorites. She went to the University of North Carolina and is an enthusiastic Tarheel!
“I’m a garden nerd.”
Emily spent 15 years in independent schools and universities, and brings that love of connection to TABS. She grew up in Atlanta and moved up and down the east coast before embracing the boarding school life with her family just outside Asheville. She met her husband reading poetry at the Bread Loaf School of English, and they both treasure a national park vacation.
“I love pop culture, Dolly Parton, and wondering what wild things my tiny children will say next.”
Veronica, CPA, has 15 years with companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Newell Rubbermaid, and now runs a private firm. Her calling might have been stand-up comedy though, evidenced in her snappy quips and ebullient spontaneity during TABS Conference sponsor give-aways. Veronica serves on the board of The SPARC Foundation, keeping people out of institutional care by providing empowering resources and education.
“You might or might not find me watching Housewives on any given night.”
Brett was born and raised in Fargo, ND. Before coming to TABS, he served as CFO at three independent schools and the Denver public school district. He and his wife of 15 years have three kids. The family had two covid bingo projects — first, to get a mini-golden doodle puppy named Piper and secondly, to learn to snowboard this winter. Mission accomplished!
“I played Division I soccer at Drake in Des Moines and was there at the same time as two-time major golf champion (Masters and Open), Zach Johnson.”
Daniel came to TABS after 6 years with longtime sponsor, Vericant. He grew up a prime people-watcher in his parents’ restaurant and when not talking with sponsors, you might find him fly fishing, felling trees, or renovating his house. He shares his fervor for adventure with his wife Anne-marie and their son, with whom he shares a birthday. This year they had a “bluebird” day skiing at Snowshoe Resort.
“My dad gave me his prized classic car on my 30th. It’s like a time machine. My own DeLorean.”
Annie grew up in midwestern Quad-Cities and is proud to be an Iowa State Cyclone. She found TABS after 12 years of account work with ad agencies, and a career in apparel marketing with Wrangler, Playtex and Hanes Sportswear. Annie and her wife of 32 years recently caught the tennis bug and she now serves on the board of the Asheville Tennis Association, aiming to bring the sport to the underserved communities in the area.
“I despise goat cheese and never met a chip I didn’t like — especially if that chip is chased by an ice cold Hazy IPA.”
Sheila and husband, Andy, recently planted roots – and bottle brush trees – in Austin TX. Growing up with a Lithuanian grandmother who was an accomplished pastry chef, Sheila would be a chef herself if she hadn’t fallen for the world of marketing. A former business owner, she knows her way around the digital space.
“I don’t eat sweets myself, but our four kids, nieces, and nephews have come to expect care packages of my homemade cookies!”
Amy is a graduate of Asheville School and an Asheville native. A rarity! After college at UNC and 7 years in Washington DC, she returned, bought a house and married her realtor’s brother (a fellow local), and they now share 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. An avid waterskier and field hockey player growing up, Amy now golfs regularly. She LOVES a good jigsaw puzzle and dreams of writing a book — probably a children’s book.
“I was once paid to watch unreleased movies and primetime TV, to write posts for an online marketing company. Best job ever. Except for TABS, of course!”
Michael is based in Kathmandu with his partner, Richard, and their SIX dogs! One son attended boarding school and now studies aviation; their youngest is in his first year at a TABS junior boarding school. Michael came to TABS after being a REAC with EducationUSA. His passport boasts 70+ countries.
“My real claim to fame? I once won a cake decorating contest at an Illinois County Fair!”
Pete spent thirteen years in boarding school administration, and then founded CWJ Consulting, assisting schools and non-profits in strategy, advancement, and planning. He studied at Hotchkiss, UNC, and UPenn, where he is still idling toward his doctorate. He’s a published poet and has recently become fascinated with AI. He loves sweets, particularly chocolate caramels and maple candy, a weakness he tries to compensate for by Peloton rides and walks with his family.
“At the start of my career, I interned with the Omaha Police Department as well as Apple Computer. How’s that for contrasts!?”
Before coming to TABS, Liz managed mortgage banking investors, owned an early tech-based research firm, and served as Director of Professional Education for a surgery association. She is happily married with two grown daughters and two fur babies, and is a proud Virgina Tech Alumnus. Liz has ridden bulls (only of friendly nature), attended a Windsor polo match where she sat next to the royal family, and transcribed conversations for an FBI sting operation.
“One day I’d love to grow lavender and run a B&B!”
Before coming to TABS, Robin was the HR Manager for a Wendy’s franchise with 20 stores in North and South Carolina. She loves to play tennis, go for long walks, and work in the garden. Roses and peonies are her favorites. She went to the University of North Carolina and is an enthusiastic Tarheel!
“I’m a garden nerd.”
Emily spent 15 years in independent schools and universities, and brings that love of connection to TABS. She grew up in Atlanta and moved up and down the east coast before embracing the boarding school life with her family just outside Asheville. She met her husband reading poetry at the Bread Loaf School of English, and they both treasure a national park vacation.
“I lead jubilant sing-alongs in the car with my two children and will happily discuss celebrity gossip any chance I get.”
Veronica, CPA, has 15 years with companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Newell Rubbermaid, and now runs a private firm. Her calling might have been stand-up comedy though, evidenced in her snappy quips and ebullient spontaneity during TABS Conference sponsor give-aways. Veronica serves on the board of The SPARC Foundation, keeping people out of institutional care by providing empowering resources and education.
“You might or might not find me watching Housewives on any given night.”
Brett was born and raised in Fargo, ND. Before coming to TABS, he served as CFO at three independent schools and the Denver public school district. He and his wife of 15 years have three kids. The family had two covid bingo projects — first, to get a mini-golden doodle puppy named Piper and secondly, to learn to snowboard this winter. Mission accomplished!
“I played Division I soccer at Drake in Des Moines and was there at the same time as two-time major golf champion (Masters and Open), Zach Johnson.”
Daniel came to TABS after 6 years with longtime sponsor, Vericant. He grew up a prime people-watcher in his parents’ restaurant and when not talking with sponsors, you might find him fly fishing, felling trees, or renovating his house. He shares his fervor for adventure with his wife Anne-marie and their son, with whom he shares a birthday. This year they had a “bluebird” day skiing at Snowshoe Resort.
“My dad gave me his prized classic car on my 30th. It’s like a time machine. My own DeLorean.”
Annie grew up in midwestern Quad-Cities and is proud to be an Iowa State Cyclone. She found TABS after 12 years of account work with ad agencies, and a career in apparel marketing with Wrangler, Playtex and Hanes Sportswear. Annie and her wife of 32 years recently caught the tennis bug and she now serves on the board of the Asheville Tennis Association, aiming to bring the sport to the underserved communities in the area.
“I despise goat cheese and never met a chip I didn’t like — especially if that chip is chased by an ice cold Hazy IPA.”
Sheila and husband, Andy, recently planted roots – and bottle brush trees – in Austin TX. Growing up with a Lithuanian grandmother who was an accomplished pastry chef, Sheila would be a chef herself if she hadn’t fallen for the world of marketing. A former business owner, she knows her way around the digital space.
“I don’t eat sweets myself, but our four kids, nieces, and nephews have come to expect care packages of my homemade cookies!”
Amy is a graduate of Asheville School and an Asheville native. A rarity! After college at UNC and 7 years in Washington DC, she returned, bought a house and married her realtor’s brother (a fellow local), and they now share 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. An avid waterskier and field hockey player growing up, Amy now golfs regularly. She LOVES a good jigsaw puzzle and dreams of writing a book — probably a children’s book.
“I was once paid to watch unreleased movies and primetime TV, to write posts for an online marketing company. Best job ever. Except for TABS, of course!”
Michael is based in Kathmandu with his partner, Richard, and their SIX dogs! One son attended boarding school and now studies aviation; their youngest is in his first year at a TABS junior boarding school. Michael came to TABS after being a REAC with EducationUSA. His passport boasts 70+ countries.
“My real claim to fame? I once won a cake decorating contest at an Illinois County Fair!”
Pete spent thirteen years in boarding school administration, and then founded CWJ Consulting, assisting schools and non-profits in strategy, advancement, and planning. He studied at Hotchkiss, UNC, and UPenn, where he is still idling toward his doctorate. He’s a published poet and has recently become fascinated with AI. He loves sweets, particularly chocolate caramels and maple candy, a weakness he tries to compensate for by Peloton rides and walks with his family.
“At the start of my career, I interned with the Omaha Police Department as well as Apple Computer. How’s that for contrasts!?”
Before coming to TABS, Liz managed mortgage banking investors, owned an early tech-based research firm, and served as Director of Professional Education for a surgery association. She is happily married with two grown daughters and two fur babies, and is a proud Virgina Tech Alumnus. Liz has ridden bulls (only of friendly nature), attended a Windsor polo match where she sat next to the royal family, and transcribed conversations for an FBI sting operation.
“One day I’d love to grow lavender and run a B&B!”
Abby is an English major and former copywriter who wound up in tech — a Salesforce accidental-admin-turned-consultant who helps nonprofits leverage their data. She has a husband, two kids, and lives in Indianapolis. Every summer she has big plans to grow veggies, but winds up camping too often and reading too much, so usually winds up buying some herbs. She loves giant fantasy novels and mainlines coffee most of the day.
“Our family has two pet rats, which are very smart and friendly.”
Marybirnie (hard to say her first name without her last!) grew up in Pittsburgh and is a loyal PA sports fan, especially when it comes to the Steelers. She’s fortunate enough to spend time with her family each summer in Cape Cod, where she can be found kayaking on Sheeps Pond, playing bocce, cooking up a storm for friends and family, and enjoying many firepit sessions with a nice red wine in hand.
“This year I am celebrating my 20th year as meeting planner for TABS Annual Conference!”
A graduate of University of Utah, Genn has worked in design and advertising for nearly 30 years. She has traveled to 3 countries, unless you count EPCOT, where she skipped the Moroccan pavilion due to no restaurant, and only stopped in England to buy a “football” jersey. She’s a soccer mom with four kids — and a dance mom, minus the foul language and hysterics. Genn is honing her French skills on Duolingo and loves Zumba.
“I drink Diet Coke for breakfast.”
Courtney is a graduate of Choate and Harvard, like JFK and Charles Emerson Winchester III on M*A*S*H. After school, she fled the country to study flamenco dancing in Spain, and then ended up in Paris. She worked in NYC as an actress, first assistant director, and writer, for 20 years, then retreated to Ashland, Oregon where she discovered another calling as a political activist. She loves indie film and teen fantasy fiction.
“When I first moved to NYC, I worked as a roller-skating waitress.”
The Ruzicka Compass Premier Leadership Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the excellence, advancement, and success of boarding schools. The Compass is named in honor of the late Steven D. Ruzicka, The Association of Boarding School’s Executive Director from 1995-2007. A fitting symbol of Steve Ruzicka’s profound commitment to do what was right and to pilot a true course is found in the compass, which revolutionized exploration and without which many of history’s great voyages might never have taken place. A steadying influence, rich with vision, and always true, even in turbulent times, Steve’s leadership likewise enabled great voyages for so many boarding schools, and for the leaders, educators, and families who live and serve in these remarkable communities.
The Award itself, an elegant, handcrafted artisan box with an inlaid compass, is presented on behalf of TABS’ Board of Directors to one individual each year at TABS Annual Conference. A larger, compass-themed plaque, bearing the names of each annual recipient, is maintained at TABS offices.
One North Pack Square, Suite 301, Asheville NC 28801, USA
828 258 5354
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