Advancement Team
BETSY ELLIS P'24
ASSISTANT HEAD
FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Christ School's prosperity now and moving forward can be largely attributed to the work of Assistant Head for External Affairs Betsy Ellis P'24, who has taken fundraising to unprecedented levels since her hiring in 2018.
Each fiscal year reaches new heights, an upward trend that continued with 2024-25.
Mrs. Ellis assists Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins P'29 with strategic initiatives, ever mindful of affording every boy the same opportunities she would want for her son, Ben '24, who was a 2023-24 Job Prefect.
Mrs. Ellis previously worked in Christ School's Advancement Office from 2002 to 2004, assisting with fundraising for the renovation to St. Joseph’s Chapel. In 2004, Mrs. Ellis became Director of Advancement at Asheville's Evergreen Charter School. After the birth of her son, Mrs. Ellis joined Asheville's Pisgah Legal Services, where she worked for 11 years. Her job grew to Director of Philanthropy, managing a talented team, 1,600 donors, and increasing the non-profit's annual campaign from $200,000 to more than $1.4 million a year.
Mrs. Ellis was ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to return to Christ School came at the right time.
Mrs. Ellis, her husband James (an attorney in Black Mountain, N.C.), and their three sons live in Van Every House. When she is not working, Ellis loves to travel, cook, and entertain. She also enjoys spending time at the family's place on Lake Champlain in Vermont.
Christ School families get clearer access to information and involvement than ever before through Director of Parent Engagement Elaine Alexander.
Mrs. Alexander's primary goal is to be a champion for mothers and fathers, helping them feel confident that their son is growing and thriving at Christ School. She is visible at regular and special school events, and also easily reachable to help ensure there is consistent, productive communication between parents and teachers, dorm parents, coaches, and advisors. New parent education programs are focused on proactively addressing questions and concerns, and Mrs. Alexander partners with the Communications Department and Greenie Parents on messaging.
Elaine grew up in Michigan and earned a B.S. in Interior Design from Eastern Michigan University. She and her husband, Football Program Director and Varsity Coach Clint Alexander, live on campus with their son, Colton.
Kris Dionne P'29 mixes enthusiasm with experience in her role as Campaign Director at Christ School.
Hailing from Buffalo, N.Y., she has a natural talent for connecting with people and helping them see their own strengths.
Before joining Christ School in 2024, Kris spent a decade at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, where she made an indelible impact as Associate Director of Donor Engagement and Business Partnerships. Known for her instinctive drive and collaborative spirit, Kris excelled at fostering strong relationships and rallying support for initiatives that benefit the broader community.
When she’s not at work, Kris loves spending time outdoors, diving into a good book, or planning her next family travel adventure. She and her high school sweetheart, Nick, are proud parents of Max '29 and Claire, and their Asheville home is kept lively by their pets – thanks to their persuasive, animal-loving children.
Jennifer Druskis P'24 finds that her passion for philanthropy meshes perfectly with a background in event management and marketing.
These qualities, coupled with being a Greenie mom, have served Jennifer well in her role as Donor Relations and Event Manager in our Advancement Office.
Mrs. Druskis has had two sons who attended Christ School – James '24, who has a twin sister, Megan – and Jonny, who left after his ninth-grade year to play goalkeeper for the D.C. United Academy program. Jennifer received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado (Boulder) and her master's from the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs).
Jennifer and her husband, Paul, live in Hendersonville, N.C., where she is a proud stepmom to Tyler and Rhylie. She enjoys playing tennis in her free time as well as cheering on her kids in sports.
Jeff Joyce enjoys teaming with Christ School’s many passionate supporters to create opportunities for enhancement and growth as Associate Director of Advancement.
Mr. Joyce fell in love with the rivers and mountains of Western North Carolina while working at a summer camp in college and has lived and worked in the area since 2008.
He served as the Director of Public Policy for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years, then transitioning to the world of philanthropic development. Before coming to Christ School, Mr. Joyce was Director of Alumni Affairs and Development for nearby Brevard College.
Mr. Joyce is a 2008 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill.
Staying active in his community has been a common theme as Mr. Joyce served as Board Chair for the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Young Professionals of Asheville. When he’s not working, Mr. Joyce can be found whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, or running his next ultramarathon (he has completed multiple 100-mile races).
Jeff lives in Arden with his wife, Lucy.
Mister Greenie himself, aka Dan Stevenson ’72 P'15, is doing what he loves at a place he holds dear as Senior Endowment Gifts Officer.
Mr. Stevenson returned to work for his high school alma mater's Advancement Office in 2011 after a 35-year career in business.
Mr. Stevenson takes pure joy in reconnecting with former classmates and friends as well as facilitating those relationships for others. He is especially happy to see the school’s growth and current momentum, adding “Christ School is thriving like never before and you will be proud of what you see when you come to campus for a visit.”
Mr. Stevenson won the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2022. The boys dedicated the 2023 Angelus yearbook to him.
Mr. Stevenson graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in History in 1978. He stays fit by running. Mr. Stevenson and his wife, Jill, have two sons, Dan III and Andrew ’15, and live in Asheville.