Catalyst

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

Event Overview

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.

Catalyst Dallas Schedule

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

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

Workshop Leaders

 

 

Brandon Allen

Brandon has a background in accounting and consulting and has also worked alongside church and Christian school ministries over the last 16 years. He has served in the roles of assistant pastor, pastor, teacher, consultant, and team lead. In that timeframe, he also graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Christian Ministry. Brandon loves working with and educating people with long-term growth in mind. He is married to his wonderful wife Bonnie and God has blessed them with 3 wonderful kids.

 

Mike Allen

Mike Allen is an organizational leader who is passionate about culture, communication, and connection. Having worked in education for 20 years and in educational administration for over a decade, Mike's ultimate vision for his leadership is to help other leaders move their people and organizations forward...positively. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Evansville Christian School, a multi-campus school system providing a Christ-centered education to 1,100+ students, PS-12. Mike is married to his wife, Kim, with whom he shares four incredible children. He also moonlights as the Parody Principal (https://www.youtube.com/c/theparodyprincipal) on snow days and other special school seasons.

 

Andy Andrews

Answering Your Pressing Business Legal Questions Panel

 

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

Over the past ten years, David Buckles has exemplified visionary leadership, guiding Foundation Academy from a struggling institution to a flourishing beacon of Christian education. His tenure as President has been marked by strategic growth, spiritual revitalization, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Under Buckles' leadership, Foundation Academy expanded from 565 students to 1,450, increased its staff from 76 to over 250, and increased its budget from $6.5 million to $25 million. He spearheaded the development of a 68-acre campus, adding over 90,000 square feet of facilities, including a football field, track, and specialized sports amenities. He also started a third campus and online school.

 

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

Chad McNatt is the Superintendent at Seattle Christian School in SeaTac, WA. He brings over 25 years of experience in a variety of educational settings, including public and private schools, international and domestic contexts, and both elementary and secondary education. He has also served in church ministry through worship and teaching.Chad holds a BA in Elementary Education, an MS in Ministry, an MEd in Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership. He has also pursued continuing education in areas such as executive coaching through the University of Cambridge. Chad is married with six children, passionate about learning, and dedicated to serving the Lord through leadership.

 

Philip Scott

 

Dr. Shailendra Thomas

Dr. Thomas brings over 37 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, consultant, professor, and Head of School at both Fellowship Christian Academy (now Kingdom Collegiate Academy) and Scofield Christian School. She has also held leadership roles with the Texas Private School Association and ACSI.  She currently serves as the inaugural Head of School at The King's Academy in Dallas, leading with a passion for Kingdom education grounded in biblical truth. A Bible teacher and speaker, Dr. Thomas is also the co-author of two Amazon bestselling children’s books. Her greatest joy is her family—her husband of 44 years, three daughters, and two grandchildren.
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