In this episode of The Comm Dept Podcast, Phil Goodman of Brentwood Academy is joined by Libby Alvarez of Lipscomb Academy and Jennifer Crouch of Nashville Christian for an honest and encouraging conversation about the past semester in independent school marketing and communications. Together, they recap key wins, challenges, and lessons learned, and reflect on how their teams navigated a season full of change, opportunity, and growth.

The conversation then turns toward the future, as Phil, Libby, and Jennifer share what they’re looking ahead to in 2026, emerging opportunities they’re watching, and practical ways communications teams can begin preparing now for the next chapter. They also offer a brief teaser for Elevate 2026, sharing why the conference continues to be a meaningful space for learning and community—and yes, registration is officially open.

In this conversation, Phil Goodman engages with Alex Marr, Director of Creative Services, and Brandon Roberts, Director of Video from McCallie School, to discuss their roles, the unique positioning of the school, recent creative projects, and future aspirations. They explore the dynamics of their creative team, the importance of strategic planning, and the challenges of engaging students in creative processes. The discussion also touches on industry trends in education marketing and the significance of maintaining high-quality content amidst changing attention spans.

In this episode, David Beall, Director of Communications and Marketing at Hebron Christian Academy, shares his experience of growing his team and tackling new challenges. He highlights the exciting initiatives at Hebron, including launching a special needs school facility and the major capital campaign to fund it.

David also discusses the evolution of their marketing strategies, their commitment to storytelling through an upcoming inaugural school magazine, and how their Christ-centered approach impacts the students, families, and community. Whether you're interested in the inner workings of independent schools or passionate about education and marketing, this episode offers rich insights into a thriving Christian academy.

Tune in to hear about the power of mission-driven leadership and how it can transform an entire school culture!