Webinar: Calming the Chaos of Capital Campaigns

Damian Kavanagh
President & CEO, MISBO

Since July 2017, Damian has served as Executive Director of MISBO. Damian has over 20 years of independent school industry experience, with an excellent reputation in association work, governance, strategic thinking, professional development, and facilitation of school leaders' discussion of school development and improvement programs. Prior to MISBO, Damian spent seven years as a Vice President with SAIS where he oversaw the accreditation and membership programs of the association. Prior to joining SAIS, Damian spent 15 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator at The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, GA. From there, he served as Head of School of Cambridge Academy in Greenwood, SC. Damian earned both his BA and MA in Latin literature from the University of Georgia, a Specialist degree in education (educational leadership for learning) from Kennesaw State University, and the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. 

Rex Otey
Senior Director of Client Services, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions

Rex has generated over $100 million for various nonprofit organizations over his 30+ year career. He has led development efforts for churches, nonprofits, and universities.

During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with over two dozen college, university, and private college-preparatory institutions, with responsibilities ranging from directing capital and comprehensive campaigns to the overhaul of development operations. For instance, he reworked Catawba College’s (NC) annual fund program, exceeding their $1.2 million goal each year, and energized Rockford College’s (IL) annual fund, doubling the four-year campaign goal and raising over $10 million.

David Lee
Partner, Smith + Howard PC

David Lee is a Senior Manager at Smith & Howard, a member of the Assurance Services Group and a member of the nonprofit, employee benefit plan and construction teams.
He specializes in working with private school clients.

Sabre Linahan
Partner,  Smith + Howard PC

Sabre Linahan leads the firm’s nonprofit Tax Practice. She joined Smith + Howard in 2002 and works with many of the firm’s nonprofit clients, including independent schools. Sabre also works with a broad spectrum of privately held middle-market businesses. Sabre’s work includes technical review of the Form 990, guidance on ways to build the 990 into a more effective marketing tool and planning and consulting with clients as their organizations change and grow.

Sabre, who has Bachelor and Master of Taxation degrees from Georgia State University, is a  sought-after speaker on the Tax Cuts + Jobs Act of 2017 and its updates, presenting to many  groups on the topic. She is a regular attendee of the American Institute of Certified Public  Accountants’ Nonprofit Conference. Sabre has been a speaker at the Georgia Society of  Certified Public Accountants’ Nonprofit Conference and at the Southeastern Accounting Show.  She attends Buckhead Church, where she is lead teacher in Waumba Land. Sabre serves as immediate past Board Chair of the Center for Family Resources, a local nonprofit that works to reduce childhood homelessness.

Walter Smith
AIA, Orcutt-Winslow

Specializing in educational projects, spanning all phases, from planning, design, to construction, Walter demonstrates a hands-on approach that sets him apart. With over 12 years of invaluable experience, his leadership and proven project management skills ensure a seamless and exceptional client experience. As a pivotal team player, Walter effortlessly integrates cutting-edge design technologies, offering clients a clear visualization and understanding of project outcomes. His commitment to detail and organizational expertise consistently surpasses project expectations. Walter’s real-world experience adds a practical dimension to his design expertise, enhancing his contribution to every endeavor. Renowned as a trusted expert, he excels in providing comprehensive educational solutions, skillfully combining leadership and project management finesse. 

A distinguished member of AIA and NCARB, Walter is committed to excellence, actively contributing to the professional community. His involvement in the Government Relations Committee for AIA Middle Tennessee showcases his dedication to shaping the industry landscape through valuable insights. Walter earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. 

David Adams
Director, Governmental & Not-for-Profit Banking, SouthState Bank

David M. Adams is a Director with SouthState Bank. Mr. Adams has worked in the not-for-profit and governmental finance industry for 24 years, having served as an investment banker for 19. He was most recently a Director with Stifel, Nicklaus & Company in its Independent School Finance Practice and worked for its predecessor George K. Baum & Company since 2012. He has administered financings in every state in the Southeast, having structured some of the more complex multi-jurisdictional, public-private and higher education transactions in the region. Prior to joining George K. Baum & Company, he served as Managing Director at BB&T Capital Markets, where he managed the Southeastern region and was responsible for the firm’s Education Finance initiative. His experience also includes serving, for five years, as the Chief Financial and Operations Officer of a not-for-profit, cultural institution located in Charlotte. Mr. Adams is a member of the Board of Trustees at the Charlotte YMCA (Johnson Memorial Branch) and a member of the Finance Committee of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Mr. Adams received his BS degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the Babcock School at Wake Forest University.

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