Member Profile: Emilie Henry
Let’s think innovatively about how to advance our schools’ missions, says Emilie Henry, vice president for institutional advancement at Westminster in Atlanta, Georgia, and chair of the 2020 CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference.
“To do things the way we’ve always done them will inevitably lead to irrelevancy—but this is important work that can’t be left to chance,” she says.
Here, she shares what to expect at CASE-NAIS 2020, what she loves about her work, and the best book she's read lately.
CASE: How did you find your way to advancement and your current role at Westminster?
Emilie Henry: I was a geology major in college. I was on my way to graduate school when I realized my love for a good cause and for people surpassed my passion for igneous rocks. I wanted an active career that would allow me to make an impact.
It wasn’t a straight path into fundraising, but once I made the transition, I’ve never looked back. Westminster is an institution that is always evolving –it’s a vibrant learning community focused on fostering the development of leaders of conscience who will be a positive force in the world. It’s a purpose that I am inspired by daily.
What do you love about your job, or what’s something you’re particularly proud of?
Every day is different and people keep the work interesting. The challenge of bringing big ideas to life that allow donors to make a difference in something they care deeply about is meaningful work. Over the last six years, we’ve worked to develop a high performing, engaged team at Westminster that is productive, energized, and agile. Through a focus on professional and personal growth and a model of distributed leadership, we’ve created a team with clear purpose and a diverse set of talents.
Equally important for Westminster and our community, our retention rate for advancement staff has improved by more than 150% and we are developing professionals whose collective impact over time will make a difference in countless ways.
What are you most looking forward to at CASE-NAIS 2020?
I am excited to bring valued colleagues to Atlanta, one of the most dynamic cities in the country, to share ideas that can move our schools forward on behalf of our students who will shape the future. With a world that is changing at a rapid pace, our focus on leadership development through the addition of a leadership track is timely and relevant.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’d pass along to someone just starting out in advancement?
Leaders are made, not born. Welcome projects and assignments that challenge you beyond where you may be comfortable: that’s where the learning and growth happen! Raise your hand and engage. Get involved in CASE early on and find a mentor—it’s invaluable!
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
I am a voracious reader, so this is a tough question. Those who know me will be nodding their heads (or rolling their eyes) when they read this. I love a new issue of Harvard Business Review; if you haven’t already, get a subscription! There’s a wealth of fantastic information on building teams, leadership development, strategy—all things we need to be focused on as we innovate and manage change.
The best book I’ve read recently is Educated by Tara Westover. It’s an incredible story and speaks to the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to transform a life and provide hope for what is possible.