MY JOURNEY
ROBERT T. BURRIS, Ed.D
Building trusted relationships that inspire generosity, strengthen mission-driven organizations, and advance the Kingdom of Christ.
Maryville, Tennessee
404-906-9501
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Mission-driven executive with more than thirty years of leadership experience serving Christian schools, higher education, nonprofits, and ministry organizations. Recognized for cultivating transformational donor relationships, partnering with governing boards, leading strategic planning, strengthening enrollment and organizational health, guiding accreditation, and communicating a vision that inspires generosity and mission alignment.
Executive Leader
Philanthropy
Institutional Advancement
Christian Education
EXECUTIVE IMPACT
CORE EXPERTISE
Institutional Advancements
Major Gifts
Strategic Partnerships
Board Governance
Executive Leadership
Strategic Planning
Enrollment Growth
Executive Communications
Organizational Development
Leadership Development
Accreditation
Marketing & Community Engagement
Financial Stewardship
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Head of School
Maryville Christian School
2025-2026
Led the school through organizational transition while strengthening governance, accreditation, strategic communication, and stakeholder confidence
Expanded partnerships with churches, universities, families, and community leaders
Head of School
Lakewood Park Christian School
2018-2025
Provided executive leadership for an institutional advancement program generating more than $750,000 annually in philanthropic support.
Cultivated and stewarded major donors, securing multiple individual gifts exceeding $50,000.
Directed strategic planning, marketing, enrollment growth, campus expansion, financial stewardship, and organizational development.
Partnered with the Board of Directors to align philanthropic investment with institutional priorities.
Served as chief ambassador with churches, alumni, foundations, civic organizations, and community leaders.
Chief Academic Officer
Sevenstar Academy
2016-2019
Led more than 100 faculty serving over 5,000 students worldwide.
Directed leadership development, curriculum, accreditation, and instructional excellence.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRESSION
Head of School – Salisbury Christian School
Head of School – Fellowship Christian School
Head of School – Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
Principal, Counselor, Dean & Teacher – Pine Castle Christian Academy
Associate Pastor of Worship & Youth – The Church at Southside
CURRENT LEADERSHIP
President & Founder – Burris Consulting Agency
Ph.D. Mentor – Columbia International University, Cook School of Business
BOARD LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DISTINCTION
Chairman of the Board — National Institute for Learning Development
Association of Christian Schools International — Central Division Commissioner
Southern Association of Independent Schools — Accreditation Team Member
Board of Directors — DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce
Co-Founder & President — Atlanta Christian School Association
Co-Founder & President — Central Florida Consortium of Private School Counselors
Colson Fellow — Colson Center for Christian Worldview
Executive Development Institute — Vanderbilt University
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership — University of Central Florida
Master of Arts, Counselor Education — University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science, Applied Music — Liberty University
ACSI Lifetime Professional Certification
Let's Build What's Next - Together.
Whether you’re planning for growth, navigating change, or developing leaders, I’d love to learn more about your organization and how I can help.
SERVING
K-12 Schools & Districts
Nonprofits & Foundations
Mission-Driven Organizations
CONNECT
(404) 906-9501
914 Kensington Blvd
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