We’re seasoned experts with decades of market research and strategy experience in the educational arena. Like our namesake – Sweden’s Kalix archipelago of nearly 800 islands – our collective force combines to create customized marketing plans for our clients.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Jonathan Oleisky

Jonathan Oleisky

President
Jonathan is passionate about helping independent schools and institutions of higher education communicate more effectively. With a deep understanding of what enables them to thrive and a respect for the critical role mission-driven organizations have in our broader community, Jonathan has an authentic ability to connect with and counsel school leaders. His expertise includes a wide range of marketing tactics and strategies to best engage prospective families and students. With problem-solving skills gleaned from 25 years in senior management in publishing and marketing, Jonathan offers creative solutions to complex challenges. Since 1992, he has been a faculty spouse at an all-girls Baltimore day/boarding school and is the proud father of two independent school graduates. As an active community volunteer, Jonathan believes strongly that giving back to others is an important part of citizen leadership and enjoys helping those who ask.

Fun Fact:

As a teenager in Tucson, Ariz., Jonathan mowed a 10-by-10-foot patch of brown grass with a push mower. Today, mowing his Maryland lawn is a favorite chore and his best time to think. His lawn lines receive numerous compliments.

Donna Balinkie

Marketing Strategy Lead
With expertise in data-driven branding and marketing strategy and prowess in market research, Donna develops breakthrough strategic marketing plans that deliver results. Her valuable insights and analysis bridge the understanding of a school’s goals and objectives with actionable conclusions and recommendations. For more than two decades, Donna led brand development and marketing strategies for leading global and regional companies, including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola Co. and TESSCO Technologies. Donna holds a B.S. in economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is an active board member of Krieger Schechter Day School (KSDS). She has two daughters who currently attend KSDS and McDonogh School.

Fun Fact:

She enjoys helicopter skiing in Canada and bicycling across Vancouver’s Gulf Islands.
Sarah Achenbach

Sarah Achenbach

Communications Lead
An award-winning author of two books and hundreds of magazine articles, Sarah helps Kalix tell its story. Her wisdom gleaned from a 30-year career in communications and advancement for Garrison Forest School, Swarthmore College, Hollins University (her alma mater) and Loyola University Maryland offers clients practical advice for navigating 21st-century independent school communications.

Fun Fact:

She was a college intern for the Muppets where she channeled Kermit’s voice for a series of children’s books.

Wayne Jacobs

Research Lead
A widely published author of national and international research and marketing studies, Wayne has more than 30 years’ experience in the design, data collection, analysis and presentation of qualitative and quantitative market research studies. He moderates approximately 100 focus groups annually and teaches classes on the use and practice of qualitative research. In addition to a long list of educational clients, Wayne has conducted studies for the American Association of University Women, FBI, IRS and National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Fun Fact:

Wayne has traveled to all 50 United States and more than 50 countries.

Let's work
together

We’d love to talk with you about your marketing needs and challenges. We’re here to help.
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