Sean Kennedy
Raleigh
Summary
Experienced nonprofit and educational leader with 20+ years of senior-level experience spanning college access, association governance, program management, and organizational leadership. Proven track record leading mission-driven organizations, managing complex budgets and boards, and driving strategic initiatives that expand access, strengthen operations, and support student and professional success. Recognized for collaborative leadership, governance expertise, and change management.
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in fostering team collaboration, driving organizational growth, and adapting to evolving business needs. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Known for strong decision-making abilities and unwavering focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Past President
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2025 - Current
- Lead comprehensive review of corporate governance documents, including bylaws and articles of incorporation; developed RFP and oversaw selection of legal counsel
- Co-developed an integrated leadership and operations manual consolidating committee manuals, fiscal policies, and nonprofit best practices
- Serve as Vice Chair of the Governance & Nominating Committee, recruiting and vetting future presidents, treasurers, board directors, and award recipients
- Represent SACAC on the NACAC Affiliate Presidents Council
Co-Director of College Counseling
Ravenscroft School
07.2014 - Current
- Co-lead college counseling office serving 470 Upper School students, achieving a 100% college matriculation rate
- Coordinate scholarship programming and serve on the school-wide Academic Committee overseeing PK-12 curriculum
- Co-facilitator for the National SEED Project, supporting inclusive community dialogue and equity-focused professional learning
- Developed and secured approval for office expansion, resulting in creation of an innovative early high-school counseling role
- Advisor for YMCA Youth & Government delegation; recognized as Co-Advisor of the Year (2021)
- Admission Advisory Board member for University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, and Furman University
- Regular conference presenter at College Board Forum, SACAC, NACAC LEAD, NAIS, and national education conferences
President
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Led a professional association of 2,600+ members across nine U.S. states and the Caribbean with a $500K+ annual budget and nearly $1M in assets
- Oversaw 11% membership growth during the 2024–25 year
- Directed zero-based budget development and investment draw strategy in partnership with the Board, CPA, and investment advisor
- Managed remotely a 26-member Board and governance structure spanning 10 committees and nearly 190 volunteer leaders
- Designed and implemented a 12-month performance evaluation and professional growth cycle for the association’s Executive Assistant
- Negotiated strategic partnership with College Guidance Network, expanding professional development offerings and securing annual sponsorship revenue
- Participated in federal and state advocacy efforts in Washington, DC and North Carolina
360 Review Co-Coordinator
Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS)
09.2022 - 09.2024
- Served as chair and reviewer for multiple comprehensive program audits assessing college counseling services, staffing models, and stakeholder feedback
- The ACCIS 360 Review program is a robust and thorough review process of member offices that includes both an internal and external audit of programs and services.
President-Elect
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2023 - 03.2024
- Designed and delivered programming for a two-day professional conference featuring 75 educational sessions, keynote speakers, and closing programs
- Advised multiple board committees and supported long-range strategic initiatives
- Represented SACAC in national advocacy and affiliate leadership forums
Board Member
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2018 - 04.2023
- Co-Chair, Communications, Strategic Planning, and Admission Practices
- Led development of the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan using Jobs-to-Be-Done research methodology and a diverse stakeholder task force
Director of Upper School
Forsyth Country Day School
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Managed Upper School division of 320+ students, 40+ faculty, and administrative staff
- Co-authored K-12 curriculum white paper aligning academic programs across all divisions
- Launched Global Educational Opportunity Initiative, establishing international school partnerships and student travel programs
- Implemented weekly divisional communication strategy to improve transparency and engagement
Director of College Counseling & Head Track & Field Coach
Forsyth Country Day School
07.2004 - 06.2012
- Counseled 35–40 students annually with a 100% selective four-year college acceptance rate
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive four-year college counseling curriculum
- Managed departmental budget, supervised staff, and delivered parent and community education programs
- Led championship-level athletics programs; named Conference Head Coach of the Year (2011, 2012)
Associate Dean of Academics
Army and Navy Academy
07.1999 - 06.2004
- Promoted from English Teacher to Dean of Counseling, then Associate Academic Dean
- Managed college counseling team serving 250 students
- Directed academic scheduling, curriculum alignment to UC requirements, and academic discipline processes
- Supported faculty hiring, supervision, and professional development
Education
M.A. - English
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NCB.A. - English
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZSkills
- Nonprofit & Association Leadership
- Board Governance & Strategic Planning
- Program & Portfolio Management
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training
- Curriculum & Program Design
- Government & Policy Advocacy
Certification
- Center for Creative Leadership Development Program
- National SEED Project New Leader Training
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Category I Administration Certification
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Civic Attitudes as Related to High School Service Requirements
- Service Experiences and the Development of Civic Values and Intentions Among High School Students
- A Love Story: NACAC’s College Openings Update
- Book Review: Carpe College!
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct Faculty, California State University San Marcos – Freshman Writing Program
- Freshman Application Reader, UCLA – Reviewed and evaluated 500+ applications annually
HONORS & FELLOWSHIPS
E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, Gordon Bingham Excellence in Leadership Grant, Leadership Winston-Salem Flagship Program – Selected Cohort Member, NAIS School Leadership Program – Selected Attendee
Timeline
Past President
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2025 - Current
President
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
03.2024 - 03.2025
President-Elect
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2023 - 03.2024
360 Review Co-Coordinator
Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS)
09.2022 - 09.2024
Board Member
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
04.2018 - 04.2023
Co-Director of College Counseling
Ravenscroft School
07.2014 - Current
Director of Upper School
Forsyth Country Day School
07.2012 - 07.2014
Director of College Counseling & Head Track & Field Coach
Forsyth Country Day School
07.2004 - 06.2012
Associate Dean of Academics
Army and Navy Academy
07.1999 - 06.2004
M.A. - English
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
B.A. - English
University of Arizona