Advancement & Admissions Conference

As founder of AdvancementEDU, Chris Dudley leverages over two decades of experience in higher education leadership, major gift fundraising, marketing, sponsorship sales, business development, and operations to provide high-level advice and strategy for heads of school, college presidents, and chief development officers.

AdvancementEDU partners with independent schools, colleges, and universities to generate revenue for transformational impact. Our clients are guaranteed a relationship built on integrity, excellence and accountability.

Chris served in senior leadership at High Point University in High Point, NC, during a time of unprecedented growth and transformation. For ten years, as Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff, he led operational areas, including: security, transportation, food services, maintenance, janitorial, landscaping, construction, events, and community relations, among others. For eight years, he served as Senior Vice President for Development, leading a team that raised $450 million.

Emma Sonduck, CASE

Emma discovered her passion for data and analytics as a grant writer, using budgets and audience numbers to help small arts nonprofits tell their story. Her deep belief in the power of data and analytics combined with her experience as a front-line fundraiser led her to her current role as Senior Data Strategist at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Before joining CASE, Emma served as Interim Director of Development at the Bay School in San Francisco and as Associate Director of Development at San Francisco Friends School. She has also worked as a frontline fundraiser for arts organizations, in higher ed, and in social services. Emma is the current chair of the Summit program committee for the Association of Advancement Services Professionals and the past chair of their member engagement committee; she served as a member of the 2025 CASE-NAIS Conference Committee.

Andy is a collaborative advancement professional with nearly 20 years of experience spanning education, nonprofit development, and corporate client development. In his role as Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Forsyth Country Day School, he has helped guide the school’s most ambitious and successful campaigns, and built lasting relationships with donors, families, and community partners. He partners with NCAIS on multiple initiatives, including facilitating a monthly NCAIS Advancement Professionals Cohort. Andy also co-founded The Advancement Playbook, an online platform that provides practical tools and strategies for schools and nonprofits to strengthen fundraising and stewardship.

His career began in the classroom, where he taught science, coached cross-country, and supported teacher training and accreditation initiatives. Along the way, Andy earned his master’s degree in education from Wake Forest University. Known for his ability to blend strategy with personal connection, he is passionate about helping organizations align their goals with the resources and partnerships needed to achieve them.

Aaron is a proven leader in philanthropy and community engagement, combining his background as an educator, project manager, and certified SCRUM Master. As Associate Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement and Director of Annual Giving at Forsyth Country Day School, he has strengthened donor participation and broadened community support by cultivating meaningful relationships with families and stakeholders. His work has advanced the school’s mission by securing resources that directly enhance student experiences, innovative programming, and faculty development. Aaron is also co-founder of The Advancement Playbook, an online platform that provides schools and nonprofits with actionable fundraising and stewardship tools.

Before transitioning into philanthropy, Aaron spent 20 years in the classroom as an orchestra director, shaping one of the region’s most respected independent school strings programs. He holds degrees in music education and double bass performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Tennessee and continues to perform as Principal Bass of the Western Piedmont Symphony.