Who's Who in Advancement
Meet the Office
Please feel free to contact the Advancement Office for information about upcoming events. You can also contact us to update your information, or you can use the form below.
We welcome all materials to the archives or letters to the Christ School magazine... and of course gifts to the Christ School Fund are essential to the school's wellbeing.
Our office is located in the renovated '30 House and we are available from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, or by appointment.
Advancement Office Staff
Kris Dionne brings a blend of enthusiasm and experience to 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, 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 two great kids, Max and Claire, and their home is kept lively by their pets —thanks to their persuasive, animal-loving children. Kris is excited to bring her passion for community and her upbeat spirit to the Christ School community.
Jennifer Druskis P'24 finds that her passion for philanthropy meshes perfectly with a background in marketing and event management. "Using my marketing and event prowess to better the lives of those in my community has been a tremendous blessing," she said.
These qualities, coupled with her familiarity with the school as a Greenie mom, will serve her well in her new role as Donor Relations and Event Manager in our Advancement Office.
Mrs. Druskis has had two sons who were Greenies - James '24 just graduated and has a twin sister, Megan. Jonny left after his ninth-grade year to play goalkeeper for the D.C. United Academy. He now starts for Xavier University and the Asheville City Soccer Club team.
Ms. Druskis 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.
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 2023-24. Donors generously pledged more than $1.6 million on "Give Now & Go Green," the school's annual day of giving.
Last year's extensive renovation to Patrick Beaver Student Center was largely made possible by the 2022 "Work Hard, Play Hard" auction.
Mrs. Ellis assists Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins 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.
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 the University of North Carolina at 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 Professional of Asheville. When he’s not working, Mr. Joyce can be found whitewater kayaking or mountain biking on local rivers and trails. He shares his passion with the boys as a coach in the Outdoor Program.
His wife's name is Lucy.
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 Christ School, his own alma mater, in 2011 after a 35-year career in business.
Mr. Stevenson likes 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 University of North Carolina 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.
Update Your Information
We are always excited to hear news from our alumni!
Log in to the Alumni Portal and make changes to your profile or use the form below to submit new contact information and class notes to tell us your news.
If you need a username and/or password, contact the Advancement Office at 828-684-6232 x 126 or advancement@christschool.org.