
Catalyst: Strengthening Your School's Operations and Finances
November 11–12, 2025 | Dallas, TX
Early Bird Rate
Register at a discounted rate of $199 per person!
Offer valid until 09/30/25
Overview
CEU OPPORTUNITY | Earn Up to 4.5 CEUs at the event.
Ignite your school’s mission and broaden your vision at Catalyst, ACSI’s new Christian School Financial Conference, located in Dallas, TX, November 11–12. All content, workshops, and speakers were hand-selected based on survey responses from over 900 ACSI member school leaders and business administrators.
Catalyst will feature industry expert keynote sessions designed to equip and inspire. In addition, there will be workshops focusing on actionable solutions your school can implement on day one. With specialized tracks in Finance, Development, Operations, and Human Resources, Catalyst is a one-stop shop to advance your school.
- Tailor your conference experience by selecting one track or by mixing workshops based on your school’s needs.
- Network with experts who help drive effective Christian school operations.
- Bring your leadership team and be prepared to take your school to the next level.
Special Offer for Early Registrants!
Be among the first 100 to register and receive a FREE digital download of Personnel Resources for Christian Schools — a $99 value!
This comprehensive resource includes essential tools, templates, and best practices designed specifically for Christian school leaders and HR personnel.
A promo code will be emailed to registrants once payment is submitted. (Offer valid for the first 100 paid registrants only.)
Speakers

Derric Bakker
Derric Bakker is President & CEO of DickersonBakker, a consulting group comprised of more than 50 staff members specializing in serving Christian schools and other nonprofit ministries. Derric’s personal specialty is in fundraising. He has successfully solicited countless major gifts, including many million-dollar gifts and some in the tens of millions of dollars. He has coached dozens of people in the art and science of fundraising and teaches and writes regularly on the subject. Derric and his wife are strong supporters of Christian education. Both attended Christian schools from elementary through college. Derric's first fundraising job was as a Christian School Development Director, and he has served as a consultant to dozens of Christian schools throughout his career. Derric currently resides in Raleigh NC with his wife Mary Nel, who is a physician at Duke University Hospital. They have three grown children, all of whom also attended Christian schools – one is married and serves as an attorney in Maryland, one is an architect in Washington DC, and one is enrolled in a PhD program at Rice University in Houston.

Dr. Milton Gonzalez
Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez is the CEO of Covenant Christian Academy in South Texas and a renowned international motivational speaker. With 30 years of educational leadership, he is a TEDx presenter with over half a million followers on social media. Milton travels extensively, keynoting at conferences, teaching leadership, speaking at mental health symposiums, preaching at churches, hosting motivational seminars, and conducting workshops for school districts in both the USA and Mexico. Fluent in Spanish, Milton is able to conduct all conferences and seminars in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility and engagement with diverse audiences. His doctoral dissertation, “A Phenomenological Study of Adult Patients with Auto-Immune Disease and Their Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences,” published by Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, explores the shared experiences of individuals with autoimmune diseases and their exposure to adverse childhood experiences, advocating for a holistic approach in treating patients.

Pete Marra
Pete Marra is the Chief Operating Officer at The Colson Center and a seasoned executive with a passion for faith, leadership, and cultural impact. He has worked and advised numerous Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, founded multiple ventures, and works extensively to help organizations grow and scale. Pete has been married to his wife Heather for 25 years, and they have four children.
Workshop Leaders
Brandon Allen
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Mike Allen
Andy Andrews
Derric Bakker
Derric Bakker is President & CEO of DickersonBakker, a consulting group comprised of more than 50 staff members specializing in serving Christian schools and other nonprofit ministries. Derric’s personal specialty is in fundraising. He has successfully solicited countless major gifts, including many million-dollar gifts and some in the tens of millions of dollars. He has coached dozens of people in the art and science of fundraising and teaches and writes regularly on the subject. Derric and his wife are strong supporters of Christian education. Both attended Christian schools from elementary through college. Derric's first fundraising job was as a Christian School Development Director, and he has served as a consultant to dozens of Christian schools throughout his career. Derric currently resides in Raleigh NC with his wife Mary Nel, who is a physician at Duke University Hospital. They have three grown children, all of whom also attended Christian schools – one is married and serves as an attorney in Maryland, one is an architect in Washington DC, and one is enrolled in a PhD program at Rice University in Houston.
Dave Buckles
Brett Henry
Brian Jensen
Brian Jensen currently serves as Senior Vice President at FaithSearch Partners. After serving for 15 years in Christian education, Brian has spent the last seven years consulting Christian organizations. His experiences allow him to bring expertise in shaping organizational culture, fostering leadership development, strategizing executive-level hiring strategies, optimizing team dynamics, and enhancing educational management practices. Brian co-authored Storied Leadership: Living and Leading from the Christian Narrative and Reimagining the Student Experience: Formative Practices for Changing Times. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master’s degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership.
Chris Loncar
Pete Marra
Pete Marra is the Chief Operating Officer at The Colson Center and a seasoned executive with a passion for faith, leadership, and cultural impact. He has worked and advised numerous Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, founded multiple ventures, and works extensively to help organizations grow and scale. Pete has been married to his wife Heather for 25 years, and they have four children.

Chad McNatt
Philip Scott
Dr. Shailendra Thomas
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