Crisis Management | June 2025 | Smithville, MO

Nathan Burchfiel

Senior Vice President for Client Services

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As Pinkston’s senior vice president for messaging and strategy, Nathan is responsible for shaping communication strategy, crafting and honing messaging, and communicating during and through critical incidents.

Since joining Pinkston in 2010, Nathan has played a key role in supporting a wide variety of Pinkston clients in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors, including AIG, the Consumer Technology Association, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Institute, Choice Hotels International, the American Bible Society, Compassion International, and many more.

Prior to joining Pinkston in 2010, Nathan was the Capitol Hill correspondent for a national news website and the lead writer for the development team of a national nonprofit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and lives outside Washington, D.C., with his wife and their two young children.

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions

Sadie Elliott

Training Director

Herzog Foundation

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Curating human experiences that drive learning and growth as Training Director at the Herzog Foundation. Traveler, auntie, daughter of the King.

Sadie is passionate about developing leaders who steward both people and operational excellence well. After beginning her career in non-profit management, she developed a passion for organizational effectiveness and went on to pursue an MBA in International Management from ESCP Europe. As Training Director at the Herzog Foundation, she now has the privilege of leading a team to produce the Foundation’s leadership development efforts.

As a proud alumna of The King’s College in New York City, Sadie possess a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a minor in International Development. While living in New York City, Sadie led the college’s City Engagement efforts to partner with non-profit ministries across NYC in serving local communities. Directly out of college Sadie catalyzed The Global Orphan Project’s grants efforts as a subset of their Development Team. Working on a small team with limited resources, she and the team set a goal of generating $1 million within the first year of developing foundation relations. Together, they reached $1.3 million of grant funding within 13 months for educational projects in Haiti, agricultural programs in Africa, technology initiatives in the US, and refugee care in the Middle East.

Sadie later went onto lead marketing and development efforts for her alma mater, Northland Christian Education System where her love and appreciation for Christian education grew. She went on to complete her MBA at ESCP Europe where she lived and worked in London, England, and Paris, France. After completing her MBA, she was recruited by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation to help launch their charitable initiatives. The Herzog Foundation’s mission is to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered education so that families and culture flourish. Sadie has had the privilege of assisting in the launch of the Foundation’s grant making program, school startup program, and leadership development program.

As Training Director, she has the privilege to combine her experience in Christian education and the broader non-profit sector with her passion for savvy business acumen and strong leadership. She facilitates experts and practitioners to create best in class adult learning experiences on Donor Development, Marketing and Enrollment, Strategic Planning, Culture Building and People Management, Succession Planning, and Board Leadership.

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions

Tammy McIlvoy

Head of School

After beginning her career as an instructor at a public high school, Tammy McIlvoy became interested in education alternatives. She left public school and taught briefly in a traditional private school before learning about University-Model® schooling where she has served since 2000.

Within the University-Model® School, Tammy has been a classroom instructor, served as a co-teacher, founded a school, served on a local school board, and served various roles within school administration. She currently serves as head of school for Logos Preparatory Academy and secretary of the NAUMS (National Association of University Model® School) Board of Directors.

Tammy is a regular presenter at the UMSI (University Model® Schools International) Summit and enjoys investing in the development of both schools and individuals. She has also served on a number of NAUMS school certification and AdvancED accreditation teams.

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in radio, television, film from Sam Houston State University and later returned to Lamar University in order to complete her education courses. She is married to Randy and has two grown daughters, Courtney and Keely, and a son-in-love, Noah. Tammy is an avid reader, dedicated educator, and devoted daughter of the King.

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions

Ed Smith

President

Faith Christian School

Dr. Ed Smith began his leadership journey by serving in the United States Army, 7th Infantry Division on the coast of central California from 1984-1987. After leaving active duty, Dr. Smith enlisted in the National Guard while attending East Carolina University. After completing Officers Candidate School in Ft. Bragg, NC he served as an infantry officer in both the North Carolina and Florida National Guard, while his Christian school career was launching as a secondary science teacher. He soon transitioned into administration and most recently has served as president of Faith Christian School since 2003. During the past twenty five years, Dr. Smith has developed a passion for transforming high school students and young adults into authentic Christian leaders. He believes the key to such transformation is "retreating" and traveling with students in order to provide real world leadership opportunities. It is not uncommon for Dr. Smith to spend over 20 nights away from home each year, leading student groups to India, Israel, and rustic retreat sites. He recognizes the need for parents to partner with faculty/coaches who share a passion for developing young leaders into godly men and women who will seek to serve, regardless of vocation.

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions

• 4:30 - 7:15 PM, Jun 11, 2025 Herzog Foundation | 105 NW 188th St. Smithville, MO 64089

  Event Begins: Opening Sessions