You’ll have the opportunity to get to know Jessica Stong over the next several months. Jessica currently serves as TIS Director of Advancement, overseeing Admissions, Development and Marketing. With a deep background in fundraising, strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth, she brings a steady, mission-centered approach to guiding schools and teams through seasons of momentum and change.

To help our community get to know her a little better, we asked Jessica a few questions.

Q: What drew you to The Independent School?

Jessica: TIS has a heartbeat you can feel the moment you walk in. It’s the way students are genuinely known and cared for, and the way faculty balance warmth with high expectations. I was drawn to the vision and the people. As a parent, I’ve also seen how powerfully TIS shapes children over time, not just academically, but as humans. This community matters to my family, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. ​​Want to hear more, read: https://wichitamom.com/parenting/why-we-chose-the-independent-school-a-parents-perspective/

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

Jessica: I lead with clarity, care, and communication. I believe strong schools are built on trust, and trust is built through transparency, follow-through, and relationships. I’m a collaborative leader, and I like aligning teams around a clear vision and a few strategic priorities that really matter. I also believe in building strong systems so people can do excellent work without burning out. Clarity is kindness.

At the heart of it, I believe in servant leadership. My job is to remove obstacles, support the people doing the work, and keep us grounded in what matters most, our students.

Q: What excites you most about stepping into the Head of School role?

Jessica: The opportunity to protect and strengthen what makes TIS special, while also guiding us forward with intention. I’m excited about supporting faculty and staff, deepening the student experience, and building even stronger partnerships with families. I’m also energized by the momentum we can create when we align mission, strategy, and community engagement in a way that feels clear and shared. I also care deeply about continuing the work of our current Head of School, Paul Druzinsky, and honoring what he has built at TIS. I’m grateful he will remain connected to the school as a consultant moving forward, and I look forward to learning from him as we make this transition.

Q: What do you hope families experience from your leadership?

Jessica: I want families to feel informed, welcomed, and connected. Communication matters, especially in the busy seasons of school life. My hope is that families feel confident in the direction of the school, proud of the student experience, and invited into community, not as spectators, but as partners.

Q: What are your priorities as you step into the role?

Jessica: First, I want to listen well and keep building trust. Every school has strengths to celebrate and challenges to navigate, and the best way forward starts with honest listening. I’m focused on student experience, faculty and staff support, and clear, consistent communication. I’m also committed to enrollment health and long-term sustainability so we can continue delivering excellence for decades to come.

Q: Tell us a little about your background.

Jessica: My career has been centered on helping mission-driven organizations grow through strategy, relationships, and leadership development. I currently oversee admissions, development and marketing TIS. Prior to this role, I led operations, marketing, and development work for organizations ranging from Greenwich House in New York to the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas. I also worked internationally during my time (5 years!) living in London and Paris.

I’ve run my own consulting practice for many years, supporting organizations with fundraising and organizational strategy, including interim leadership roles. I also have training and experience as an executive coach. I hold a master’s degree from the University of Kansas, and my background in psychology shapes how I lead. I care deeply about building healthy communities and cultures where everyone thrives. I served as a BoardSource consultant and on a number of boards including Kansas Action for Children, Wichita Family Crisis Center, and Arts Council (to name a few!).

Q: What should people know about what you value most in a school community?

Jessica: Belonging, excellence, and purpose. I want students to feel known and supported, and also challenged to grow. I want adults to feel empowered and appreciated. And I want our community to feel proud of the vision we are living out every day.

Q: If someone spots you on campus, what is a great conversation starter?

Jessica: Tell me what your child is loving right now, or what projects you’re working on together as a family.

Fast Facts about Jessica

1. Currently reading: Trust and Inspire by Stephen Covey and The Woman in Suite 11 (Jessica is always reading 2–3 books at a time and averages about 100 books a year).
2. Favorite hobbies: Playing Mahjong (want to learn? she’ll teach you!) and knitting.
3. Family and pets: Husband Chris. Kids Henry (11th grade) and Theo (3rd grade). Pets include Duke (the corgi), Annie, Sylvie, Socks, and Terry.
4. Go-to Wichita food: Jessica is obligated to say NuWay and Jersey Mike’s (her family owns/runs them).
5. Favorite location: Jessica has lived in New York, Paris, and London, but Wichita has her heart.

Connect with Jessica