Small Schools Summit 2026

Aaron Craven
Aaron Craven is Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Forsyth Country Day School, where he leads advancement strategy focused on strengthening culture, deepening relationships, and driving sustainable philanthropic growth. A former orchestra director who built one of the Southeast’s largest independent school string programs, Aaron brings an educator’s perspective to advancement leadership. He is co-creator of The Advancement Playbook, an initiative providing practical fundraising tools for schools and nonprofits. Aaron also maintains an active performing career as Principal Bass of the Western Piedmont Symphony.  

Andy Clifton

Andy joined the CapDev team in 2026. He brings a wealth of experience and proven success in philanthropy, business development, and relationship management.

Prior to joining CapDev, Andy was the Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Forsyth Country Day School, where he led the most successful period of philanthropy in the school’s history—raising over $15 million, securing the largest gift ever at $2 million, and exceeding annual fund goals each year.

Andy has also held key roles in business development and customer management roles with Inmar Intelligence as well as AccuMED Corporation. His ability to cultivate senior-level relationships and deliver strategic solutions has been a hallmark of his career.

Andy is a Virginia native. He attended NC State for his undergraduate studies and holds a Master’s degree from Wake Forest University.

Andy now resides in Lewisville, NC. He and his wife, Meredith, have two daughters, Anna and Caroline. In his free time, Andy enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, movies, and travel.

Clare Jordan

Clare joined the CapDev team in 2006 and was named vice president in 2022. She previously held positions in both development and marketing for nonprofits. She manages the firm’s business development, study of philanthropic trends, conference engagements, and partners in strategic roles with CapDev clients.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Clare is an avid volunteer, starting the NCSU Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity in college; chairing the Advisory Council for NCSU’s Institute for Nonprofits; chair of NCSU’s Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Board; and chair of UNC School of the Arts Board of Visitors, among other board service. She was awarded Distinguished Alumna of the Year in 2021 for NCSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and named to the Triad’s “40 Under 40” in 2009.

A Winston-Salem native, Clare and her husband, Fred, have four adult children. She enjoys reading, traveling, and family time on the New River.

Keeon Gregory
Mr. Keeon Gregory has more than 35 years of experience as a Dean of College Counseling and college admission professional, known as a champion and advocate for young people. He has dedicated over 25 years to college counseling at three independent schools, placing more than 1,500 students nationwide and abroad. With 10 years in college admissions, he has served as Associate Director of Admission at the University of Rochester, Ithaca College, and Wittenberg University, and is a recipient of the College That Changes Lives Award for exemplary counseling and leadership. His office motto, “Trust the Process,” has been adopted and celebrated by students and parents alike.

He has visited nearly 300 colleges and universities and has built lasting relationships with admission contacts nationwide. Mr. Gregory has sat and currently sits on several College Admission Advisory Boards, including SMU, The Ohio State University, and Furman University, and was recently selected as one of seven college counselors nationally to serve a four-year term on the National Merit Scholarship selection committee. An active member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, he serves on the annual college counselor conference planning committee and as the conference moderator for the College Dean’s Panel. He has led GDS to become one of the most respected college counseling programs in the state and is sought nationally for panel discussions, advisory board service, and counseling expertise.

Since joining GDS, Mr. Gregory has created and initiated several new programs, such as the biweekly College Counseling Newsletter, College Pennant Wall and Rock Your College Shirt Day Celebrations, Just for Juniors College Fair, and Parent Quarterly Coffee series. He has revamped the College Counseling Boot Camp into a robust summer program attracting admission experts to GDS to help our rising seniors complete applications and essays. He also teaches the senior Clear Lab Completing the Common App.

A former DI track and field scholarship athlete and The Ohio State University team captain, Mr. Gregory works closely with GDS’ recruited student-athletes throughout the college application process.

Leah Lambert
Leah’s career is defined by a 360-degree view of the independent school and college landscape. After earning her BA in French from Davidson College and teaching in Japan, she dedicated nearly two decades to Asheville School. As Director of the College Office for 12 years, Leah didn't just advise students; she sat on the Senior Administrative Team, founded the Blue Ridge Retreat for industry professionals, served as the Testing Coordinator for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams, was the Faculty Secretary of the Cum Laude Society, and more.

She further sharpened her "insider" perspective by evaluating hundreds of applications for UNC-Chapel Hill and the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Program, gaining rare insight into the selection process of elite institutions. 

In 2023, she joined the NCAIS team to help support schools statewide, though she still works with a handful of college counseling clients who would not otherwise have access to strong or consistent support.

Leah remains a resident of the Asheville School campus, living with her husband (an AP Chemistry teacher), their two children, and two dogs.

Graylyn grew up and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He began his career in marketing and eventually served as Director of Communications and Marketing at Christ School. In this role, he worked on marketing strategy, advertising campaigns, accreditation processes, and long-term strategic planning. His unique perspective—having experienced the school as a student, administrator, and trustee—shaped his leadership and vision. In 2024, Graylyn co-founded 38 House, a marketing agency for independent schools.