School Business Insider: Empowering the Next Generation – Insights from ASBO's Emerging Leaders

Released: May 29, 2025

In this enlightening episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato delves into the journeys of two inspiring ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship recipients: Brandy Smith of Montoursville Area School District, Pennsylvania, and Bailee Nash from Edina Public Schools, Minnesota. The conversation explores their career paths, the transformative impact of the scholarship, and the crucial role of professional networking in shaping their roles as emerging leaders in school business management.

1. Introduction to the Episode

John Brucato opens the episode by highlighting the focus on the next generation of leaders within the school business sector. He introduces Brandy Smith and Bailee Nash, both recipients of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on their professional experiences and growth.

2. Guests' Career Journeys

Bailee Nash’s Path

Bailee Nash shares her entrance into school finance, which began in June 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by her mother, a seasoned school business professional, Bailee transitioned from an accounting specialist to the assistant director of finance at Edina Public Schools. She credits ASBO’s certification and leadership courses as pivotal to her professional development.

“A huge part of my learning has been our state affiliate of ASBO. I did their certification, their leadership courses. Without ASBO, I wouldn't be as proficient as I am in this career.”
— Bailee Nash [02:05]

Bailee also humorously mentions her passion for ASBO pins, which symbolize her deep-rooted connection to the profession and facilitate networking opportunities.

“Jim Westrom gifted me a pin trader pin in which there's only two ever made, and I have to find the person who has the other one.”
— Bailee Nash [03:56]

Brandy Smith’s Path

Brandy Smith recounts her career transition from restaurant management to school finance. After completing her bachelor's degree in accounting and working part-time in payroll at Montoursville Area School District in 2012, Brandy discovered a passion for school business management. Mentorship played a crucial role in her ascent to the position of business manager in 2020.

“I stumbled into that and it was part-time, and I started working here. I found a love for it, and I had a great mentor who allowed me to grow.”
— Brandy Smith [05:06]

Brandy emphasizes the importance of learning from diverse perspectives within the school business office, which has been instrumental in her career development.

3. Impact of the Emerging Leaders Scholarship

Brandy’s Experience (2015)

Brandy reflects on her 2015 scholarship experience, highlighting how it broadened her understanding of school business operations beyond her immediate role. The scholarship facilitated connections with peers from various states, exposing her to different approaches and solutions.

“Seeing how other states look at things kind of gives you ideas on how to fix problems in your own states, too.”
— Brandy Smith [09:09]

Bailee’s Experience (2023)

Bailee discusses the recent impact of the scholarship, particularly the pre-conference workshops that allowed her to build strong relationships with fellow recipients. These connections have provided her with a support system that extends beyond state lines, enhancing her professional network.

“Building those relationships before going into the conference was very impactful for me.”
— Bailee Nash [10:53]

Bailee also notes the evolution of these networks into ongoing educational collaborations, further solidifying the scholarship’s long-term benefits.

4. Networking and Professional Development

Both Brandy and Bailee underscore the significance of networking facilitated by the scholarship. They highlight how connecting with peers from different states fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices.

“We have to think outside the box. Education is constantly evolving, so we have to use ideas from each other.”
— Brandy Smith [22:59]

Bailee adds that the networking opportunities have been invaluable, especially in an industry where collaboration across districts and states is essential for effective school business management.

“The networking countrywide is so crucial. Different states could be doing something that's more effective or found a better way through an issue you’re also going through.”
— Bailee Nash [23:19]

5. Experiences at the ASBO International Annual Conference and Expo

Bailee’s First Conference

Bailee describes her first ASBO International Annual Conference held in Maryland in September 2023 as both overwhelming and inspiring. Despite initial navigation challenges, she appreciated the diverse session offerings and the emphasis on both technical and soft skills.

“The combination of sessions offered was really important... soft skills like team building and mentoring were included.”
— Bailee Nash [16:39]

She also highlights the unique pin trading culture, which serves as a catalyst for networking and building lasting connections.

“Once I was introduced to the PIN trading, it was like an aggressive subculture of the conference.”
— Bailee Nash [17:58]

Brandy’s First Conference

Brandy recounts her 2015 conference experience as initially overwhelming but ultimately rewarding. She found the flexible session structure beneficial and valued the leadership seminars that provided motivational insights.

“I did a lot of leadership seminars... It was also very welcoming. Everyone's very welcoming.”
— Brandy Smith [18:54]

Both guests agree that the supportive atmosphere and the willingness of attendees to help newcomers greatly enhanced their conference experiences.

6. Mentorship and Ongoing Connections

Bailee’s Mentorships

Bailee speaks about her ongoing relationships with fellow recipients, including mentoring roles and collaborative projects. These connections have led to opportunities for leadership and personal growth within the ASBO community.

“I have one...[a connection] that leads to opportunities like this to pay it forward.”
— Bailee Nash [26:45]

She also mentions the importance of having a support system beyond one's state, which provides diverse perspectives and solutions to common challenges.

“Having that perspective where something's always going on in our schools, and you can handle this is okay.”
— Bailee Nash [23:19]

Brandy’s Continued Involvement

Brandy emphasizes the importance of staying involved with ASBO beyond the scholarship period. Her ongoing participation in committees and mentoring new scholars has kept her connected and continuously learning.

“I stayed involved... I'm currently on the Legislative Advocacy Committee with ASBO.”
— Brandy Smith [28:29]

She highlights that the relationships formed through the scholarship have been key to her long-term success and ability to mentor others effectively.

“You get to meet a lot of people and take different things from each of them and give different things to each.”
— Brandy Smith [29:55]

7. Advice to Aspiring Applicants

Both Brandy and Bailee offer heartfelt encouragement to school business professionals considering the Emerging Leaders Scholarship, especially those who may be introverted or apprehensive about networking.

“Just do it. You have to do it. It brings you out, it gives you confidence.”
— Brandy Smith [32:17]

Bailee shares a story of an introverted colleague who thrived after overcoming her fears, underscoring the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

“If you apply and say, and you don't get it, you're right where you already are. It hurts to do nothing.”
— Bailee Nash [31:17]

Both guests emphasize that the benefits of the scholarship far outweigh the initial discomfort, offering lifelong connections and professional growth opportunities.

Conclusion

John Brucato wraps up the episode by urging listeners to apply for the Emerging Leaders Scholarship before the June 1, 2025 deadline. He commends Brandy and Bailee for sharing their invaluable experiences, providing listeners with a compelling case for pursuing this opportunity to advance their careers in school business management.

“Thank you both for joining me this afternoon and really enlightening us about your experiences.”
— John Brucato [33:12]

Key Takeaways:

• Career Growth: The Emerging Leaders Scholarship significantly propels the careers of early-career school business professionals through education and mentorship.

• Networking: Building a broad professional network across states fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and support systems essential for career success.

• Professional Development: Attending the ASBO International Annual Conference offers diverse learning opportunities and the chance to engage in both technical and soft skill development.

• Mentorship: Ongoing involvement with ASBO and mentoring peers sustains professional growth and leadership within the community.

• Encouragement to Apply: The scholarship is highly beneficial, even for those hesitant about networking, as it offers confidence-building and invaluable connections.

For school business professionals eager to advance their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders, the ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship presents an unparalleled opportunity to grow, connect, and make a meaningful impact.