Empowering Small Institutions Through NCSE Participation

Kenneth E. Redd is senior director, research and policy analysis for NACUBO. At NACUBO, Redd directs the annual NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments, the NACUBO Tuition Discounting Study, and other studies on higher education finance issues.

In addition to his work at NACUBO, Redd also serves on the board of trustees for the Meadville Lombard School of Theology in Chicago, IL, and is a member of the board of directors for the Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund (UUCEF) and the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE).

Redd has a master’s degree in public affairs from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. 

Allison Kaspriske leads the development and management of key research initiatives, including the Commonfund Benchmarks Study of Independent Schools (CSIS), the Council on Foundations-Commonfund Study of Foundations® (CCSF) and the NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments (NCSE). She is responsible for expanding and deepening strategic partnerships to strengthen the firm’s visibility and deliver valuable insights to the broader investment and nonprofit segments. Allison also oversees the Institute’s educational offerings, including Commonfund Institute Online and the Investment Stewardship Academy, and plays a central role in creating new tools and resources that leverage benchmark data and thought leadership. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut, Storrs.

Mark Slayton, CPA, began his career in audit, tax, and business advisory services, spending 14 years with several Rochester, NY firms. During that time, he first connected with SUNY Oswego and the Oswego University Foundation, serving as the Foundation’s audit engagement manager in 1999. In 2000, Mark joined the Oswego University Foundation as Director of Finance, overseeing finances for an organization with under $4 million in assets and a $3 million endowment. Over the past 25 years, his role has grown with the Foundation’s success. Today, he serves as Assistant Vice President for University Advancement Finance and Operations, providing strategic financial oversight and asset management for more than $90 million in assets and an $85 million endowment. Mark works closely with the Foundation’s Board of Directors and its Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees. He also partners with the university’s major gifts team to structure philanthropic commitments that align donor goals with SUNY Oswego’s priorities.