Testimonials

Littleford & Associates has an extensive list of satisfied clients.

Below is a partial listing of Independent and International School clients we have served over the years.

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TESTIMONIALS

"Mr. Littleford's professional approach, preparation and execution of our engagement was very impressive. His experience and deep knowledge of the area of independent school head compensation furnished the committee with detailed, current, critical data about the marketplace, unavailable publicly, allowing us to make informed decisions. The process was a resounding success, thanks to Mr. Littleford's well tested process."
Ann Sonnenfield, Board Chair, Agnes Irwin School, Philadelphia, PA

"I recommend John (Littleford)'s work without hesitation. The following five qualities stand out: (1) John's understanding of governance is best in class, (2) He can articulate his knowledge into simple language that can be remembered, (3) He is a great facilitator and uses stories and real case studies brilliantly. When he discusses an area of governance, Trustees in the room "get it" at the core, Prior to the seminar, he conducts fast and efficient interviews with techniques that enable him to customize his seminars to the particular needs and situation of the Board rather than giving a canned seminar, and (5) John has a heart. He loves his industry and part of his passion comes from a personal commitment to make it stronger. His caring, passion and enjoyment fill up the room and infect everyone in it."
John Lineham, Former Board Chair, Schools of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco, CA

"We are aware of John's incredible knowledge and extensive network of connections in the independent school world. That combined with his remarkable work ethic made John an easy choice for us as we considered Head of School consultants. Throughout the process John and his staff were always accessible and their communications were prompt and timely. An excellent handbook filled with procedures, guidelines, reminders and examples was provided as a tool, but John guided us through each step along the way. John and his staff offered just the right amount of gentle pressure to keep our search moving along our optimal timeline and were always professional and thorough."
David Allain, Board President, The Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA

"We are on our way to having raised approximately $8,000,000 over the first three years of our annual fund. You (John) have helped us to frame the strategic vision that continues, three years after its formulation, to serve as the reference point for our school's initiatives. Your remarkable ability to quickly size up a new school client's needs does not begin to hint at the richness of a longer term relationship in which you are able to bring to bear various strands of a school's past on the challenges at hand."
Dr. Ted Faunce, Head, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"The resounding consensus was that the strategic planning workshop was very productive, eye opening, and energizing for us all. I enjoyed your high energy and quick wit, your effective and efficient manner, and absolutely know why they call you the best in the business! You should write a book!"
Gayle Tsien, Board Chair, Saigon South International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

"I never get enough of your good teaching and it has helped me over the years get a wonderful perspective on Independent School Governance. Public schools would be well served and governed if they had a John Littleford to advise and counsel them."
Dr. John DeFlaminis, Trustee, Haverford School, Haverford, PA

John's approach to marketing helped us learn more about ourselves and has given us a road map for sustained follow-up. Again, I must reiterate that his presentations were truly inspirational- he is a fantastic public speaker, and he is able to contextualize the importance of independent school education in a way that helps parents to understand better the investment they are making. I cannot endorse John more strongly as a consultant."
Jim Skrumbis, Head of School, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, CA

"The view of the entire Search Committee is that the School has never had such an impressive list of potential candidates for Headmaster. John was able to provide a running commentary on each candidate's performance and capabilities such that we were able to assess need/fit accurately and quickly. At the same time, he was able to sell the candidates on us, an equally highly critical factor. The final shortlist of candidates was extraordinary. Unlike global conglomerate search firms, he was able to deliver at the highest level because non-tertiary education is his sole focus and he is familiar with all the major players.."
Geoffrey J. Mansfield, Chairman of the Board, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"As a consultant, you provided important counsel for both dialog and debate. Helping to create an environment of transparency and open inquiry, allowed for substantive exchanges with all parties. More importantly, John, you helped the School navigate some significant challenges. In a complex organization such as Cranbrook, your encouragement and analysis proved to be invaluable.
Arlyce M. Seibert, Director of Schools, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI

"I am writing because I just finished reading your latest newsletter.. Wow! It is so right on, as usual. The case studies and insights are very valuable. We trustees have heard them before but we need to hear and think about them every few months so we don't slip!"
Mike Selverian, Former Board Chair, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"I wanted to express my appreciation for the newsletter that you send us. I look forward to each issue and it is one of the few that I receive that I read cover to cover. The articles are well-written, pithy, and full of wise suggestions for improving board/head relations or other issues that heads face on a regular basis. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. The fact that your knowledge comes from research and first-hand experience makes it even more meaningful"
Laura Hathaway, Head of School - Pegasus School, Huntington Beach, CA

"In my twenty-five years as an educator, I have been through many workshops on governance and other issues. Without a doubt, this was the best one that I have ever attended. We were in awe of the quickness, effectiveness and thoroughness with which you came to know us as individuals, as a Board and as a School. Clearly, the time you spent with us as individuals the day before helped you process our situation and enable you to discuss it in a knowledgeable and perceptive way."
Steven S. Piltch, Head of School- The Shipley School and Trustee- The Wyndcroft School

"In hiring Littleford & Associates, we knew in advance as a Board that we had to do something constructive and meaningful in the area of compensation for our faculty. It would have been simple enough to raise tuition and salaries, but the value added in having you spend significant time on this campus made a difference. You brought real-world standards benchmarked against other schools and businesses that proved enablers in seeing our school in the context of a broader landscape."
W. Brewster Ely, IV, Headmaster- Town School for Boys, San Francisco, CA

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BOARD GOVERNANCE: KEEPING BOARDS HEALTHY

"Learning was powerful at our two day workshop, and you adeptly facilitated the discussion with sincerity, openness and precision. Your intuitiveness, intelligence and creativity allowed for real-time understanding and growth. I honor the sensitive way that you challenge Board members to emerge from their comfort zones toward new understandings."
Brian Matthews, Superintendent, American International School-Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"I found John to be highly professional with an impressive ability to assess complex situations very quickly and effectively. His direct style worked well with our Board. Time went quickly with John in charge as he moved at a rapid pace which was appealing to our Board members."
Paul Chmelik, Head of School, The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"The Board is transformed and energized about the school's future. The workshop you facilitated was exceptional and your fresh perspective and candid delivery were thought provoking. You challenged the Board to take a critical look at the way we do things based on best governance practices."
Dr. Susan Groesbeck, Principal, Havergal College, Toronto, Ontario

"John's vast knowledge and experience in virtually every aspect of school governance and administration enabled him to quickly assimilate and understand the key issues facing our school. He was able to quickly gain credibility with our Board members, to engage them in frank two way discussion and to lead us into positive initiatives that are now forming our agenda. He was especially adroit in discerning relational issues between Board and Administration, and gave concrete advice on restructuring, inducing positive relationships between Board, Head of School and administration."
Martin Rushworth, Board Chair, International School of Kuala Lumpur, Maylasia

"I never get enough of your good teaching and it has helped me over the years get a wonderful perspective on Independent School Governance. Public schools would be well served and governed if they had a John Littleford to advise and counsel them."
Dr. John DeFlaminis, Trustee, Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"Your presentation solidified our understanding of what we do well and where we could do even better. The stories you told of other boards and their experiences were enormously illustrative. This was particularly helpful for our new board members who found the training invaluable as they find their way into their new roles."
Dr. Richard Spalding, Head of School, American School of The Hague, The Netherlands

"Governance cannot be taken for granted and we count on John to focus the Board on these issues. He does not disappoint. He keeps it fresh and to the point, and challenges us to be the best Board we can be. He knows our school well and takes time to investigate potential challenges facing our Board and School. He deals with the Board in a candid and constructive manner, enabling us to address issues directly before they turn into problems, as well as to engage strategic opportunities forthrightly."
Robert Clothier, Board Secretary, The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"At our first meeting, your way of approaching a conflict situation struck me because of your fast thinking and analytical skills as well as your ability to "read" people. The way you managed to address a much divided Board, stressing responsibilities and roles, helped us overcome crises later."
Maaike Siemons, Former Board Chair, International School of Dusseldorf, Germany

"All our board members found your session thoroughly stimulating, thought provoking, pertinent, reassuring, challenging, energizing and worthwhile. It was empowering and valuable to hear your affirmation and reiteration of basic principles of practice that make my job easier."
Richard McDonald, Headmaster, Aiglon College, Villars, Switzerland

"You were truly an inspiration. For us "old hats" who serve as governors, we sometimes fall into the trap that we know it all. Our batteries have been fully charged!"
Trustee, American International School of Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"I found your workshop to be paradigm-shifting. Sometimes you just need someone outside to come in and hold a mirror up to you and I believe you did that very effectively. To me the true measure of success is getting a group to shift its patterns of thought and you achieved that, so congratulations!"
Trustee, International School of Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

"After your session with us, I am much more confident in the ability of our board to perform at a high level through the challenges we face in the near future. Much of being a good board member is not necessarily intuitive, but by using the principles and examples you presented, I think I will have a much better approach. The workshop was incredibly focused and efficient."
Trustee, Peoria Academy, Peoria, Illinois

"Your insights are invaluable to effective Board functioning. You will not allow an elephant to remain in the Board room. I admire your rare combination of candor, diplomacy and wisdom."
Trustee, Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"It was my pleasure to see John Littleford in action. He didn't miss a beat in knowing where he was headed and what he needed to do to get there. At the same time, he was sensitive to each individual in the group, who they were, and what their unique input and perspective was. Bravo!!"
Trustee, Havergal College, Toronto, Ontario

"You are a master at what you do. Thanks for sharing your enormous talent with us. God has clearly given you a gift and I am delighted to have interacted with you."
Vestry Member, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, TX

"Your stories were powerful and instructive and your ability to lead us through open discussions toward consensus on so many complicated issues was truly impressive."
Vestry Member, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Dallas, TX

"John has a wealth of experience and a charismatic, direct style, which gives him immediate credibility with me and with the board. He has worked with boards all over the world, which gives him a rich perspective on international school boards. He has first hand knowledge of virtually every problem or concern that we discuss. John employs a variety of teaching strategies, and he orchestrates an excellent discussion based on the responses of individual trustees."
Larry W. Dougherty, Headmaster - Buckley School, Sherman Oaks, CA

"On behalf of myself and the Board of Trustees of the American School of The Hague, I would like to thank you for a superb workshop this past weekend at our annual Board Retreat. I have had unanimously positive comments about your discussions on good governance, leadership, succession, fund-raising, and strategic planning. You bring such a wealth of experience and knowledge about independent school management and governance that when you speak, board members and school administrators listen, and listen carefully."
Richard L. Spradling, Director, American School of The Hague,The Hague

"I would like to thank you for the board training you provided for me and my board in March and in August this year. There were a couple of constants which were obvious to those of us who attended both sessions.

  • Your incredible knowledge and experience in the field of independent school governance. I cannot think of another person on the planet who has anything close to your enormous experience. It is difficult to imagine a governance issue you have not dealt with at some stage 2.

  • Your ability to "tell it like it is". Your workshops are acutely tailored to the needs and personalities of the participants, a testament to your meticulous preparation, your skill in dealing with people, and your ability to identify and deal with the core issues."
Neil McWilliam, Director, International School of Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany

"Every year we ask John to give a governance workshop for our Board. We realize that good governance cannot be taken for granted, and we count on John to focus the Board on these issues. John doesn't disappoint. He keeps it fresh and on point, and challenges us to be the best board that we can be. He knows our Institution well and takes the time to investigate potential challenges facing our Board and the School. He deals with our Board in a candid and constructive manner, enabling us to address issues directly before they turn into problems, as well as to engage strategic opportunities forthrightly."
John Stoviak, Chair of the Trusteeship Committee, Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"Being only 30 days into a board term and with no previous experience on a board I have to say, your session was absolutely invaluable for me. The amount I learned and the opportunity to get to know some of my fellow board members a little better was exceptional."
Trustee, Trinity College School, Toronto,Ontario Canada

"You are a rare blend of polished presenter and true expert. I learn many essential things each time. Your preparation (having names/faces and Nueva details all correct) and thoughtful ways of helping to ensure messages sink in (repetition, audience engagement, sequencing, etc.) add immeasurably to the value of these sessions. Schools (ours and countless others) are the better for your wisdom-that positive impact needs to continue over the long term"
Bruce Cozzad, Trustee, Nueva School, Hillsborough, CA

"I must say, I have been to a lot of corporate retreats over the last 15 to 20 years, many of them moderated by an external consultant. Your depth of knowledge, your ability to convey what you believe is right and what is wrong coupled with your personal style really impressed me. I have served on corporate boards and thought I knew a little about governance. The Saturday meeting thanks to our presentation, examples and moderation created a much clearer understanding of my role and my responsibilities (including go's and no-go's) that I hope will guide me in my future ASH board participation."
Heinrich Loechteken, Trustee, American School of The Hague, The Hague

"In each of the three board retreats you have directed for us, you have been direct, clear, and convincing in elaborating the roles of the effective trustee. Your use of fascinating case studies has worked to generate productive dialogue among trustees about proper and improper ways to handle difficult issues in the life of schools. To complement the powerful and often painful object lessons illustrated in your case studies, you then inspired with poignant anecdotes from your life as a student, teacher and Headmaster. While the case studies often dramatize how things can go awry in schools, your stories reminded us of the great things that happen in good schools. Your stories make us mindful of idealism and the optimism at the heart of education. After each of your visits, our trustees have mentioned to me just how affecting and effective your presentation has been."
John Allman, Former Headmaster, St. John's School, Houston, TX

"It was a great pleasure seeing you again at the focus group and workshop at EHS this past weekend. I thought the workshop was fabulous. You were able to really zero in on the areas that our Board needed to work on with such efficiency after meeting with the focus groups as well as remind us with confident firmness of what the rules of governance are that we should be following. It was very timely as we move forward in this climate. Thank you. I will certainly propose that you visit us annually!"
Trustee - Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL

"I believe that your time here with us in Stavanger was extremely productive and truly gave our Board lots of insight, ideas and focal points. Your approachability, enthusiasm, and needless to say, experience, were certainly appreciated. It's always good for a group to have an external and independent viewpoint and "critique". I believe that your suggestions and advice will stand ISS in good stead and will be extremely useful for us folks on the Board."
Gordon Ramsay, Board of Trustees, International School of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway

"John, we are the ones who should be thanking you for coming to Princeton Academy and tutoring us with your sound guidance and wisdom on board governance. Friday and Saturday's workshops were stimulating and rewarding and highly informative. Not only in the strict sense of educating us in proper guidelines and behavior as board members, but also enlightening us with so many of your personal and inspirational experiences as an educator and now consultant. Most of those guidelines can be transferred over to our other life roles which is equally beneficial."
Catherine Fenton, Trustee, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, NJ

"You were at the top of your game yesterday as the accolades from the trustees keep coming. This was something that was long overdue and I vow will occur with more frequency in the future, especially given the fragility of our current circumstances which will require strong board leadership to navigate through. I am grateful that you were able to cover all aspects of the specific governance issues that I had requested. It was all valuable and delivered in your typical thoroughly engaging manner. In addition I have shared with the board many of the articles you have published on your web site as I have found they contain a wealth of valuable material, much of it reinforcing what you covered yesterday."
Kate Hawley, Board of Trustees - Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa, CA

"As I mentioned, I thought it was a terrific morning for the board. Your stories, exercises and examples provided valuable information in an interesting format. While much of the information is basic, I think it is the most important aspect of a trustee's job. And a message that needs to be reinforced year after year, to veterans and newbies. A removed and objective eye is one of the best tools for a board and your ability to see the areas in need of "prompting" is indeed very intuitive and on mark."
Kaye Bernstein, Trustee, Buckley School, Sherman Oaks, CA

"John, as always, you were remarkable. I'm so glad that you have developed such a strong connection to our school and to the community around it. I have been following up with each of the board members for their impressions, and all were inspired by your presentation û though everyone recognizes that the real work remains to be done. Many thanks again, and be happy in the knowledge that you are making such a huge difference in the lives of so many school children."
John Grippando, Trustee, St. Thomas Episcopal Day School, Coral Gables, FL

"Thank you for taking the time to come and speak to us and get us on track. I am so sorry that I did not have the benefit of your "class" for trustees these past six years. I hope that Palmer Trinity makes it possible for you to come back every year to speak to the Trustees and the Head. One of the most important things you said is the institutional memory part of governance. I have thought that for as long as I have been on the Board and was sorry when the Board voted last year to limit each trustee to two terms. Some of our wisest and longest serving members were forced to retire. They had been involved with the school in some capacity since the merger of Palmer and Trinity."
Monica S. Betancourt, Trustee, Palmer Trinity School, Coral Gables, FL

"As usual, your presentation was wonderful. The case studies were germane and taught the importance of following a sound governance protocol. I feel that the school as a whole would be a healthier place if these boundaries were embraced."
Mark Overholt, Trustee, Webb School, Knoxville, TN

"To answer your question, I felt the workshop was time well spent, as was the interview session the day before. You repeated enough of the basic information that I had heard in your previous workshops so that we are all operating from the same base, but you also introduced some new and pertinent topics that kept my attention and will help us frame the issues over the coming months. I confess that I have used and will continue to use some of you strategies in other parts of my life and the office, on other boards, at home, so I always come out ahead."
Laura Lopez, Trustee, NIDO, Santiago, Chile

"It was an immense pleasure to attend the workshop. We were all impressed with your extensive knowledge on board governance as well as with your life experience. As you pointed out, we need to improve some skills, master the core information regarding the school, and keep focused on broad institutional issues and policies. Consequently, we hope to follow most of your helpful advices in order to assure the effectiveness of our role. Thank you again for coming to Graded school and especially for providing us with such a wonderful presentation."
Monica B. Della Nina, Board Member, GRADED, Sao Paulo, Brazil

"The board governance session you ran for us this past Tuesday was exceptional and an enormous success with the board members. I have received numerous emails and verbal comments from the attendees describing how valuable they found the exercises and overall session. In my opinion, this session was more effective and impactful than the one a year ago (and I thought the previous one was a huge success). On a personal note, I want you to know how much I enjoy working with you and how fortunate The Fay School is that you decided a year ago to take Fay on as a client."
Jeff Margolis, Past Board Chair, The Fay School, Houston, TX

"You are masterful in your leadership of a session like this...your commitment and passion for making a personal contribution to the success of independent schools in delivering on their mission, worldwide, clearly came through and is most commendable. And the timing of your workshop could not have been better for us...you could clearly sense that we, as a board, were ready for both the information you shared in general about "the rules of engagement and support" but also your very clear feedback to all of us regarding what you had heard through your interviews with each of us and your perspective on this. I believe this session will serve as an important catalyst for us to take a number of actions which will strengthen the board and the board's relationship with our Head going forward."
Dick Warmington, Past Board Chair -Hillbrook School, Hillsborough, CA

"I thought the workshop was spectacular. I especially like the way you ran your program on time, focused, and on schedule. Your ability to keep our group on task was remarkable. You were truly inspirational and your lessons as to or role as trustees were to the point and presented in a way that were easily understood and will be easy to remember. The education was long over due."
Joe Kalbac, Trustee, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, Coral Gables, FL

"We have benefited from your wisdom and experience in past workshops, and this workshop was no less effective. I am glad it worked out for us all, and I look forward to our next opportunity to work together."
Robert T. Snowden, Head of School, St. Michael's University School, British Columbia, Canada

"Certainly you have a wealth of experience that provides invaluable insights to new governors, as well as those who need refreshment on the boundaries and working relationship between the administration and Governors of independent schools. Southbridge School would not hesitate to recommend you John as a valuable consultant to any school or institution looking to establish great governance models. We are very appreciative of your perceptive analysis of our school and look to apply many of your recommendations in the months and years ahead."
Ian Mackintosh, Chair, Board of Governors, Southbridge School, Surrey, British Columbia

"Mr. Littleford was the vital motivator in helping our Board change its approach to governance. There is now a clear focus and a set of guidelines for us to follow. Mr. Littleford's expertise was the strongest reason that the Board is establishing a new direction."
Paul G. Kitchen, Head of School, Rothesay Netherwood School, New Brunswick, Canada

"As a new Head of School, I am very grateful to you for the workshop you conducted at Randolph this August. Your clear message about the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Head of School and the Board is a valuable point of reference as we embark upon an important relationship for the future of the School. In large part, I attribute our strong start this year to you, and for that I am very grateful."
Byron C. Hulsey, Head of School, Randolph School, Huntsville, AL

"Your experience in working with so many other Independent Schools across Canada and the U.S. is invaluable and as usual your content was very concise, interesting and "on the mark". Further, your format of focus group meetings followed by a seminar on Board Governance worked very well and provided us with some interesting insight into areas needing improvement or requiring further discussion.
David Allan, Past Chair, Board of Governors, Crofton House School, British Columbia, Canada

"Life is about relationships and due to the opportunity that I have had over the years, to hear many "experts" in the field, I felt that you truly are the best that is out there, as they say! I had to just wait for the right time, to try and bring you to St. Thomas! St. Thomas was poised for the "Littleford Link."
Kris Charlton, Head of School, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, Coral Gables, FL

"To say I was impressed with your workshop would be a serious understatement. You combine a direct, knowledgeable approach and bring laymen (Board members) to a point where they sound like experts themselves, which naturally instills a confidence in them, of you. You also reminded me of what good teaching is all about."
Dave McMaster, Head of School, Canadian International School, Hong Kong

"Since Saturday, I have been inundated with huzzahs about your presentation and focus groups. Everyone is raving about how astonished they were with the quality and depth of the process, and how moving and incisive were your stories. I think the experience truly has transformed many of them with a new appreciation of what it means to be a trustee, and what the parish school is all about. We have a very dedicated group, and no one flinches at spending a Saturday morning to fulfill their duty as a trustee or vestry member, but they weren't prepared to really love the experience and to take something away that would inform their trusteeship and their lives as leaders."
Tom Bales, Past Board Chair, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, Coral Gables, FL

"I was so impressed with your ability to remember our names in such a short time, especially since my name isn't an easy one? The seminar was one of the best seminars I have ever attended. Your message came through loud and clear, and all of us came away from the morning with renewed vigor. Thank you for inspiring us to do more and be better, whether as trustees or simply as people.
Ofe Chiavacci, Board Member, International College of Spain, Madrid, Spain

"The Trustees who attended your governance presentation came away from that meeting enthusiastic about the work in front of us. Your comments complete with examples of schools that face similar circumstances, and your anecdotes made for an interesting and informative session. I cannot recall a Board session when Trustees were so attentive, engaged, and enthusiastic.
Reno F. DiOrio, Headmaster, The Linsly School, Wheeling, WV

"Thank you for reinforcing best practices of good governance. Thank you for incorporating the subtitles of our particular situation into all of your examples. And, thank you for making the entire session so thoroughly engaging, practical and important for the short and long term health of our School."
Stuart K. C. Grainger, Headmaster, Trinity College School, Ontario, Canada

"Your work on Head succession planning with the Episcopal High School Board of Trustees was nothing short of remarkable. Over a two day period, working with the Board and focus groups composed of past and present Trustees, leaders, parents and alumni; you guided us to a unanimous decision on our succession plan. Without your assistance, I doubt we would have achieved consensus."
J. Dix Druce, Jr., Past Chairman, Board of Trustees, Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL

"Your interactive style of working with people, use of examples of situations that could arise, as well as your vast knowledge on the subject is of great value. I will pass on to my successor the importance of bringing you in from time to time to orientate new board members and to conduct ongoing refresher workshops for those already serving on the board."
Jane Mortifee, Former Chair, Board of Governors, Crofton House School, British Columbia, Canada

"That was a fantastic meeting we had today and a much needed one. You were skillful, organized, sincere, articulate, resolute and very convincing. Your amazing perspicacity can only come from tremendous experience, diligence, alertness and focus. I have seen a bit of this world in my time but that was one of the best meetings ever, given the circumstances. You must have been a great Headmaster."
Abu Ansari, Governor, Collingwood School, Vancouver, British Columbia

"This weekend exceeded my expectations. You provided guidance, energy and expertise throughout the two sessions. Crescent's Board is now better prepared for the upcoming year than at any other time in its history. You directed the attention of the Board masterfully. If this weekend were to be rated from 1 to 10, it would be a 10. It was a great mini-retreat."
Geoff Roberts, Head of School, Crescent School, Toronto, Ontario

"Not only are you an expert in the field of non-profit boards concerning how they operate and should operate, you are truly a gifted presenter and motivator. I found you to be extremely well-prepared, knowledgeable and capable of connecting with a wide diversity of personalities. This was the second year that you participated in our Board's annual retreat, and I would not hesitate to engage your services again. I believe that you are in part responsible not only for the progress our board has made over the past year, but for its current good health."
Joseph Donley, Past Board Chair - The Wyndcroft School, PA

It was also a great pleasure meeting and working with you on behalf of St John's School. Your input and involvement was extremely valuable and I hasten to add timely as well. I think the Board as a whole is better apprised of its role and of the relevant governance issues of which we must be mindful. The "nurture" aspect of the trustee's role with its headmaster has stuck with me. This is what any organization should do when it spends time and money to hire the best person in the country at that time to be its number one person."
Trustee - St. John's School, Houston, TX

"What a great day we had with you. It was fast paced, to the point, no nonsense, let's get to the point, get the job done kind of exercise. If a Board member didn't come away with a better understanding of their roles, responsibilities, boundaries, then they were asleep at the switch! "We all gave you kudos in great abundance."
Trustee - Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville, SC

"I thoroughly enjoyed our meeting and felt it was one of the most helpful activities our Board has done because it is the one that I believe will make us a much more productive and effective Board. You stories were so helpful in that they will be imprinted on the minds of those in the room for a VERY long time. Your assessment was right on but most importantly you identified several key points that I felt we need to work on immediately. I told our Chair that I finally feel we got a clear message as to how our Board should work and now we have the pleasure of implementing such plan. I thanked him profusely for inviting you."
Trustee - St. John's School, Houston, TX

"I found your workshop once again stimulating, thought provoking and your insight into the Shipley culture impressive. Although I remembered some of the 'big points' from last time, I clearly needed reinforcement. I will always remember the most important quality of a trustee from now onwards. Your test cases/scenarios were realistic and challenging and I enjoyed the speed with which you moved us through the process. I felt that you were able to get a firm grasp on our feelings and attitudes from the focus group on Friday.
Trustee - The Shipley School, Philadelphia, PA

"I want to thank you for working with our Board. I have taken the opportunity to participate in the NAIS Governance workshops that have been offered in our area, but I have not objectively looked at the Shipley Board in the productive way in which you guided us. I really enjoyed your heart warming stories about your teachers, students and families that you have met during you work. It reminded me that those relationships are valuable and life enduring."
Trustee - The Shipley School, Philadelphia, PA

"Your session was fabulous, well-timed and very helpful to our board. I personally enjoyed your mastery at taking our input and weaving it into your presentation. While we still have many issues to work through, you have given us a new lens of perspective. We have embraced the idea of having a 'Littleford' chair in each or our meetings....in essence you will be sitting with us and keeping us on a higher plane."
Trustee - Hillbrook School, Hillsborough, CA

"The Governors who had been through (your governance workshop) before gave me some insight, but your delivery exceeded all expectations!" I really appreciated how candid you were. It was refreshing. Your relationship with the School is a valuable asset to Crescent."
Governor - The Crescent School, Ontario, CA

"I felt that you conducted my personal interview with just the proper balance between a hard-nosed professional consultant and an understanding and responsive person. On your presentation to the joint Board/Foundation, I told our Foundation Director that it was the best seminar I had attended in 25 years (possibly, longer!)- not just because of its invaluable content, but importantly, your polished delivery."
Peter J. Devine, Vice-Chairman- The Bishop Strachan School Foundation, Ontario

"As did the faculty you led through the evaluation process earlier this year, trustee after trustee praised your overall knowledge, your ability as a facilitator, and your efficiency in pinpointing meaningful policy issues important to the strategic health of the School. The best part of what you did was to ignite a passion for good governance that began a very positive learning process. Your work will help make our Board even more effective in the years to come."
Joseph T. Cox, Headmaster- The Haverford School, PA

"The (Board Governance) workshop certainly lived up to expectations. In a short period of time, John interviewed key trustees and was able to formulate a structured plan that was at first, general, relating to independent schools, and then moved to the specifics and particulars of the situation. The general consensus was, 'That was great- we need to do this annually.'"
Angela Burgos, Head of School- Centennial Academy, Montreal, Quebec

"Trustees now readily admit that the workshop exceeded their expectations. You were masterful and everyone left feeling energized and ready to tackle the next project. Several trustees have written to ask what they could specifically do to support me. It was such a positive experience that we hope to make it a mandatory check up for us all."
Priscilla G. Sands, Head of School- Springside School, PA

"You certainly don't need any feedback from me, but as you can imagine, I've participated in many (workshops) and yours was the first and only one that measured up to my hopes and expectations! You were great! I don't say such things lightly, and I certainly do hope our paths may cross again."
David Strong, Governor, St. Michael's University School, Victoria, BC

"Many said it was the best retreat they have EVER attended. Some said they were suddenly aware of the crucial differences between corporate boards and an independent school board and they found themselves excited at learning a new kind of board culture and a new set of appropriate behaviors. While all the trustees appreciated the efficiency of the retreat because it took only a Saturday morning, several commented that they found themselves wanting it to last much longer because they were enjoying it so much."
Wendy Cecil, Former Chair of the Board of Governors - Branksome Hall, Ontario

"Throughout my seventeen years as a school head, I have had the opportunity to know and work with a number of Board consultants. Dr. Littleford certainly ranks at the top of the list of those I have worked with. The workshop he led, and the written report that followed his visit has provided our Board and me, as School Head, with a clear action plan for building a more cohesive and productive working relationship."
Elsa Lamb, Former Head of School - The American School of Asuncion, Paraguay and Current President, AAIE

HEAD/CEO COMPENSATION, CONTRACTS, DEFERRED COMPENSATION, SAFE HARBORS

"The review process which you carried out on behalf of our Board of Trustees proved open, fair, equitable and most of all comfortable for me on a professional and personal level. The conversation was ultimately not about dollars and cents; instead the focus was on performance, success, and on the longstanding constructive partnership which has existed between the Board and myself.
Peter Mott, Director, Zurich International School, Zurich, Switzerland 9/15/2010

"John, you use time incredibly efficiently, sharing your knowledge of the history of the compensation-setting process, potential IRS landmines, trends in the various compensation components and benchmarks from comparable institutions in a practiced and easy to understand manner. Our committee was very impressed with your ability to rapidly get us up to speed on both the regulatory and practical aspects of Head compensation."
Fran Tewkesbury, Board Chair, Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, NC

"The preliminary work done by John was exceptional in detail and scope. John was able to consolidate the thinking of our Board's members which greatly assisted us in reaching a fair and visionary offer to our superintendent."
John Langford, Board Chair, American International School-Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Your thorough professional stance throughout was greatly appreciated. Your unwavering assertion that you were there to work with and for the Board was powerful, and yet I knew that the process would take into account my own vision, goals, aspirations and needs. I was most impressed with your flexibility and the ultimate effectiveness of conducting business via email, telephone and video-conferencing. Your process was clearly explained and tightly managed and there was no doubt that all parties felt that their needs had been met."
Chris Bowman, Director, International School of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

"Mr. Littleford's professional approach, preparation and execution of our engagement was very impressive. His experience and deep knowledge of the area of independent school head compensation furnished the committee with detailed, current, critical data about the marketplace, unavailable publicly, allowing us to make informed decisions. The process was a resounding success, thanks to Mr. Littleford's well tested process."
Ann Sonnenfield, Board Chair, Agnes Irwin School, Philadelphia, PA

"At the end of our process, I felt overwhelmingly appreciative of the support from the board and compensation committee. It was an amazing meeting orchestrated by you (John) and I am confident that it would not have happened without your professional and personal guidance. You gave my board the vehicle to do this work and helped me become my best advocate; a task that does not come easily to most educators."
Dr. Priscilla Sands, Head, Springside/CHA, Philadelphia, PA

"Your approach was extremely professional, efficient and insightful. In a very short but intense period of time, you identified for us the very essential issues which should properly have bearing on our head's compensation, and how it should relate to that of other Heads across the country. Your access to the most highly relevant information is not only impressive, but also invaluable in an exercise as delicate and important as this."
Kurt Johnson, Chairman, Bishop's College School, Quebec, Canada

"In all ways the process proved a success. The headmaster's family needs were understood, the trustees observations and questions were addressed and a solution was proposed, debated and accepted. This was followed by a written summary, in contract form, from John for presentation to the school's lawyer who has subsequently vetted and blessed it... I would highly recommend John as a man who delivers on his promise in a most timely fashion."
Hardwick Simmons, Board President -- Groton School, Groton, MA

"Your ability to lead our executive committee through all of the important considerations in arriving at an optimal (head of school) contract was instrumental. You have a unique knack for keeping a meeting on task, asking the tough questions and driving us to a conclusion. Your 16 year history of leading this process at our school and the wealth of information you possess regarding market based compensation levels for similar positions allow us to put an enormous amount of faith in your judgments."
Doug Kimmelman, Former Board Chair, Far Hills Country Day School, Far Hills, NJ

"John, you are a tremendous professional and working with you is a pleasure. I will tell you that the other three board members that participated with us on the conference call initially had doubts about whether we should expend the funds for the benefit to be received. They were all in agreement afterward that the cost and benefit were in line. They saw the light. Todd was also very appreciative of the process and stated such to me."
George Donovan, Board Chair, North Cobb Christian School, Kennesaw, GA

"John has assisted the Board on issues relating to head contracts and compensation. This raises often tricky issues and requires technical knowledge (e.g., safe harbors) and sophisticated social skills. John has helped us navigate these waters effectively."
John Stoviak, Board Chair, Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"When I met with the Compensation Committee the next day, I felt well briefed by you and comfortable in talking about my hopes with the board. I have now heard from every member of the Compensation Committee. Individually, each was very impressed with your knowledge and your executive style. Collectively we know we have been well served. In this era of accountability and public scrutiny, we all believe your unique grasp of "industry standards" for salaries and benefits provides a very good protection for the school."
Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster, The Browning School, New York, NY

"This year, with the expiration of our Executive Director's employment contract, we had the opportunity to engage the services of Littleford & Associates to prepare a salary survey of similar provider agencies in the Northeast and advise the board on compensation. I am pleased to report, John Littleford's quantitative data and expertise proved extremely helpful to facilitate our decisions. The process was further enhanced by his qualitative input and assessments rendered."
Raymond Garofano, President of the Board of Directors, Community Based Services, Pelham, NY

"You have become a master at the process of helping a school and head work out a satisfactory contract and working relationship! Thank you for coming to Shady Hill to meet with me and my re-contracting committee. They felt their time with you was absolutely valuable, helping them sort through the many, many details that would otherwise have taken them weeks without your expertise and skill. I thought your advice to me was both solid and wise, and the agreement we eventually reached satisfactory to everyone. It is good (and rare) to leave a contract negotiation feeling well-served -- and all within the confines of meeting intermediate sanctions rules and within the bounds of what was appropriate for this school's particular situation and mission.""
Bruce Shaw, Former Director, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

"Thank you very much for the thoughtful and well-informed approach you took with me and the Head's Compensation Committee as we transitioned from one contract to another. The data you have collected and the astute analysis you bring to it are unique tools that help both the Head and the Board Chair de-mystify the process of developing a compensation process. I learned this time around that your work is always original and fresh."
Susan A. Nelson, Former Head of Schools - The Webb Schools, Claremont, CA

"The information John Littleford provided was very helpful. The quantitative data would have been impossible for us to obtain without his expertise. Of even greater value was the qualitative information and assessment he rendered."
William Mumma, Former Chair, Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, Summit, NJ

"I write from the vantage point of a long-term school head negotiating his last contract with his trustees, and I am so grateful that our Board President accepted my recommendation to call you and involve you in this critical process... No wonder you have negotiated over 500 school head contracts in the last six years. No school head and board should enter these negotiations without access to your expertise and experience."
Michael W. Teitelman, Former Headmaster -- Bishops School, LaJolla, CA

"You also consulted with us regarding compensation issues for our Head. In this area of increased scrutiny of non-profits, Boards have to make sure that a valued Head is properly compensated within the context of a complex legal and regulatory environment. You presented us with a structured and highly effective approach, and acted as intermediary between the Board and Head that brought us to a very satisfactory resolution. Here again, your vast experience in the field, and knowledge of current practices at schools around the world benefited us greatly.
Gary Campbell, Past Board Chair, The Pike School, Andover, MA

"You brought to the table your considerable expertise in compensation matters acquired over many years of experience with numerous independent schools as well as your vast knowledge of issues garnered through personal interaction with board members, faculty and staff, and heads of schools of various size composition and demographics. I know of no one who has as much reliable data at his fingertips as you and this is exactly what Marlborough Trustees were seeking!"
Barbara E. Wagner, Head of School- Marlborough School, Los Angeles, CA

"Once again, I wish to thank you for the comprehensive work you performed for The Browning School Board of Trustees Compensation Committee. As we have worked with you in the past concerning issues for our Head of School, we felt compelled to continue the relationship to accomplish the same degree of due diligence for our new compensation package.""
James S. Chanos, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Browning School, New York, NY

"All of us involved in the Leadership and Compensation at Berkeley Preparatory School are very appreciative of your assistance. Seldom do I have the opportunity to work with someone who is able to combine such knowledge, wisdom and overall expertise in such a timely fashion. I am still amazed that we were able to accomplish so much in such a short period of time, especially given the diverse backgrounds of our Trustees involved in the process. Your grasp of what other independent schools are doing was of great benefit as we wrestled with our own strategy. All our Trustees commented on the value you bring to the process and wondered why we did not get you involved sooner in order to make our lives simpler!""
John B. West, Former Chairman, Board of Trustees, Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL

"In short, you provided an outstanding service to Ashbury by strengthening the Board/Head relationship and ensuring stability and enthusiasm for the school's future. On a personal level, I want to thank you for recognizing the incredible contribution our spouses make in our schools. You have so much knowledge and expertise that our schools need you. Thank you for your legacy of unparalleled support for school leadership, governance and independent education.
Tam Matthews, Headmaster, Ashbury College, Ontario, Canada

"Although I have worked as a senior administrator in education for 24 years, this was the first time that I experienced an outside consultant's participation in the delicate and often uncomfortable topic of my compensation package. Beyond giving us all the confidence that we are in compliance with the Federal Intermediate Sanctions Act, your extensive experience and professionalism was a great asset to our Trustees in their developing a total compensation package that gives me a real comfort level as I begin to think about retirement. Your knowledge of alternative ways to defer compensation was extremely valuable. My personal financial planner is also pleased with how this has unfolded under your leadership and guidance."
John Trainer, Head of School - Bolles School, Jacksonville, FL

"Heads are rarely equipped to be the best protagonists of their own needs. And boards are often so circumspect in representing the financial trust of the fee payers that they can become very guarded in their discussions with the head. John is a master at stripping away these layers of diffidence, while acknowledging the circumstances that cause them to arise in the first place. He has now worked with three different JIS Board Chairs and three sets of officers. John understands the nuances of remuneration packages in a way that is beyond the grasp of most consultants. I recommend John Littleford for your consideration if you want a consultant with a finely tuned capacity for pointing boards and heads towards agreements on contracts."
Niall C.W. Nelson, Former Headmaster - Jakarta International School, Jakarta, Indonesia

"You were able to work through all the aspects of a through examination of the critical points for consideration and help us arrive at a solid and proven process that does justice to the critical nature of the assessment, allows for constructive criticism where called for in combination with well deserved praise, honours the role the principal plays in running the school, pays respect to the professional backgrounds and dedication of the board members themselves and ultimately provides the principal with the best kind of feedback for her own continuing development and for the well being of the school."
Wendy Cecil, Past Chair of the Board of Governors - Branksome Hall, Ontario, Canada

"I am often involved in negotiating contracts and settlements. However, I did not have the necessary background or knowledge to understand either the best approach or the components which would result in an attractive package that would be amenable to our Head of School and the Board of Trustees. You made that process go very smoothly and provided us with a wealth of information that made our jobs as trustees much easier and made us more confident that we were fulfilling our obligations to the school."
Joe Donley, Former Board Chair - Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA


"This marks the second time you worked with our Executive Committee on head compensation. I could not have been more pleased and excited with the outcome. In talking with Board members who participated, they indicated that they were very pleased with the process as well as the outcome. Your knowledge of head compensation and your ability to facilitate the process of finding appropriate strategies to accomplish the goals of the Board and the Head are quite extraordinary."
Thomas G. Aycock, Headmaster -- Trinity Episcopal School, Richmond, VA

"Clearly your knowledge of the independent school world and your database on salaries and benefits makes your work with the Board much more effective and credible. . . In addition, given the laws on how to determine a CEO's contract in the non-profit world, your database makes for a very effective and credible "safe harbor" letter in my file indicating that the Board has done their job of being responsible stewards for the school..."
Alan C. Sparrow, Headmaster -- Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School, Salt Lake City, UT

"The Hotchkiss Compensation Committee is most appreciative of the time you have allocated to us to make certain our process and decisions are appropriate for handling a deferred compensation program for our headmaster and his spouse. We have been extremely well served by your objective professionalism, and your experience and unmatched database give us every assurance that the action we have taken would withstand any scrutiny for fairness, appropriateness and adhering assiduously to all legal requirements."
Frederick Frank, Former Board Chair- The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT

"Having you join my board president and two key members of the executive committee was critical to their understanding of salary, benefits, and other issues as they relate to leading boarding schools at the present time. The end result of your efforts was the development of a comprehensive package that reflects nineteen years of service to the school while at the same time paves the way for the future. That you provided insight from a national perspective goes without saying."
Henry Flanagan, Jr., Former Headmaster - Western Reserve Academy, Hudson, OH

"I cannot imagine anyone more skilled at turning the delicate topic of compensation into a dialogue in which salary was only a fraction of the discourse. I now have even a deeper bond with the Chair which can only strengthen an already positive relationship. You also helped us to untangle the potential thorny issue of Board leadership succession."
Priscilla G. Sands, Head of School- Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

"You run a first-rate process in a timely and focused manner. I still cannot believe that I walked into the meeting room at the Harvard Club at 8:30 am to meet with our Trustees, left to let them work with you, and then returned at 10:30 am to find that they had concluded their deliberations and were eager to communicate the very positive results."
Dorothy A. Hutcheson, Head of School -- The Nightingale-Bamford School , New York, NY

"You have to be the best and most knowledgeable compensation consultant in the private school/not-for-profit sector. Your involvement in my salary negotiations with the board made an incredible difference in my compensation, the understanding the board has of my job and the challenges inherent in it. My Board Chair and Compensation Committee left the meeting with the confidence that they were compensating me in an equitable way and were exhibiting good stewardship. (and) with a system for compensating and evaluating me in the future. All within a 24-hour period for a fraction of the cost of employing a traditional compensation firm. "
Andrew L. Ross, President- The Children's Guild, Baltimore, MD

"Your direct and engaging manner, invaluable information on compensation, keen listening skills and respectful approach to both people and conversation allowed the Board subcommittee to create a package a package for me which is wonderfully supportive and truly acknowledges my present and future needs. The Board Chair and I thought that we could arrive at somewhat similar results without engaging your services. We now know that because of your involvement in the process, the School and I are both much more satisfied."
Stephen H. Watters, Headmaster- The Green Vale School, Glen Head. NY

"Your interactions with the school were handled flawlessly. (The nature of your work) calls for diplomacy and an astute assessment of the needs of those concerned. I concluded that my interests and those of my family were well served, and valuable information was provided by you which will serve Beauvoir well."
Paula J. Carreiro, Head of School- Beauvoir, Washington, D.C.

FACULTY AND STAFF COMPENSATION SYSTEMS, LEVELS AND BENEFITS, FACULTY EVALUATION

"You provided an excellent workshop on evaluation of teachers. As a result of your efforts, we were able to redesign the method through which we evaluate teachers. The new system supports the performance based salary scale perfectly. Your evaluation of our benefit philosophy and menu of offerings were instrumental in enabling us to make constructive changes that benefitted both our employees and institution. The changes were viewed as being positive by each who was affected."
Steven Bliss, President/ Brigadier General, Army and Navy Academy, Carlsbad, CA

"The workshop was an outstanding success due to John's frankness and thinking. He showed superb orchestration skills, an ability to captivate his audience, a high level of objectivity in his interpretation of information and the ability to make everyone feel that their point of view had been heard while at the same time receiving from him a candid external appraisal of our internal situation. This is a tribute to John's sense of deep analysis, ability to think on his feet, and his ability to challenge thinking while at the same time leaving people with a sense of personal comfort."
Ray Holliday-Bersegeay, American International School of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary

"Feedback was universally positive from your time spent with us. To a person, the faculty has thanked me for inviting you and including them in the process. Thank you for a job very well done."
Julian Bull, Head, Campbell Hall School, Los Angeles, CA

"I was most impressed by your sensitivity to the nuances of building a well-coordinated, forward looking governance process with a culturally-diverse group. You brought a focus, charisma and wealth of experience with you into the room and with that you earned nothing but acclaim and respect from our Board. You created a buzz of excitement that is not often seen during deliberations of this kind. What could have been an onerous job for staff became an exciting opportunity to gain understanding and to share perspectives. This excitement has continued as this ongoing work continues."
Lesley Barron, Director, International School of the Basel Region, AG, Reinach, Switzerland

"Our faculty members appreciated the energy and enthusiasm you brought to this session. You also made the workshop interactive and the morning went quickly as a result. You left us with several concrete insights about how to conduct our peer observations and evaluations. You balanced theory with practicality and that is why your work with us was so well received. You also provide a great service to the independent school industry. Your work through the years has added to the overall professionalism and level of discourse in countless schools."
Sr. Mary Broderick, Head, Rosemont School of the Holy Child, Rosemont, PA

"Thanks for the Kudo! This is THE BEST PLAN I have seen in any school or college. It incorporates transparency, equity, and incentives/merit, evaluation and growth. You will find it stimulating."
Joseph P. Healey, Head of School, University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe, MI

"Here is my assessment of the faculty compensation workshop:

  • Excellent preparations of the entire week's interviews and workshop
  • Amazing time keeping, which I as a German especially appreciate
  • Thorough understanding of the key issues and astonishing wealth of knowledge to help us put our strengths and weaknesses into the global and international school context.
You have a presence that demands and deserves attention and giving you that attention is worth every minute of it. You are confident and reassuring in the interviews, you probe in a pleasant, if firm way. You mixed teachers and non teachers in a very appealing way that created learning synergies and cohesion in a very short time. You focused the group on the important issues at ISK. Your recommendations were clear and to the point."
Helga, Recke, Trustee, International School of Kenya, Nairobi

"As a consultant, you provided important counsel for both dialog and debate. Helping to create an environment of transparency and open inquiry, allowed for substantive exchanges with all parties. More importantly, John, you helped the School navigate some significant challenges. In a complex organization such as Cranbrook, your encouragement and analysis proved to be invaluable.
Arlyce M. Seibert, Director of Schools, Cranbrook Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI

"I don't like most "meetings". Waste of time as a rule. Yesterday however was three hours without a moment wasted and so beneficial. The faculty is engaged. Absolutely we want the written report and I would recommend all of the other services as well. Let's proceed that way. Thanks again John for all your help.
Cal Martin, Board Chair,Brookstone School, Columbus, GA

"You did an outstanding job in highlighting our strengths and pointing out our weaknesses. You managed to deliver a tough message to our teachers and to earn a standing ovation for doing so."
Egon Heldner, Board Member, German Swiss International School, Hong Kong

"I wanted to express my sincere thanks for all you did in putting together an energizing three days for us in the workshop on faculty benefits, compensation, and evaluation. With a carefully planned and thorough approach, you did a terrific job of finding the heart and soul of our school. In addition, you were able to assemble your findings into a clear synopsis with an appropriate and sensible path for us to follow. Having been part of numerous workshops in the past, we found your workshop on the final day to be one of the best we have experienced."
Mark H. Kelly, Head of School, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

"I must confess that for years I read the letters from heads and board chairs you send prospective clients with a degree of skepticism. How could anyone be this good? Well, now that your visit here has come and gone, and the faculty and board are hard at work on designing an evaluation and compensation system that makes sense for Moorestown Friends, I have to say to you, it's all true -- you are that good! Even the teachers who grumbled about participating in the after-school meeting emerged from that session energized and enlightened."
Laurence R. Van Meter, Head of School, Moorestown Friends School, Moorestown, NJ

"Your vast personal knowledge of faculty compensation norms, combined with the results of the custom survey you undertook on our behalf, allowed us to make salary adjustment decisions with confidence. You showed us with clarity where we had been, and would be placed, in the competitive compensation landscape. Your presentation to faculty and administrator groups were not only stylish and amusing, but built consensus in a creative way, in short, making our ultimate job as policy makers considerably easier."
Mark R. Hornberger, Former Board Chair- The Town School, San Francisco, CA

"Thank you for your excellent workshops on faculty compensation and evaluation. In many ways you accomplished the impossible. As we were trying to get ready for the new school year, we added your workshops to our teachers' already busy schedules expecting some anxiety over the extra work they would have to do. Instead, they wanted more Littleford workshop and were genuinely disappointed that the time with you was so short. They felt this way because you were so thought provoking, and you so efficiently met the workshop goals. Teacher after teacher praised your overall knowledge, your ability as a teacher, and your making them see the importance of meaningful evaluation to the health of the School. Imagine, we added significantly to the workload of our faculty at the beginning of a school year and no one griped! Your visit improved morale and was a great to start the year.
Joseph Cox, Headmaster- The Haverford School, Haverford, PA

"I did find your report and the workshop to be extremely helpful. More important, I think the faculty members of the group were, at least in many cases, receptive to your advice. That is an incredible result. We are all looking forward to continuing our work in this area, and will be much prepared and guided by your work last week.
Board Member, Buckingham, Browne, & Nichols School, Cambridge, MA

"The comparative study (of faculty compensation practices) was meticulously prepared and provides us with a detailed summation of the status of compensation and related issues at eleven schools. The Langley faculty, staff and board members. appreciated the breadth of his experience, and valued his advice concerning our school: 'John's intelligence, experience, and expertise give credence and trust to the whole project'; 'He presents a workable framework which gives us an opportunity to bring Langley into a much more equitable and satisfying work environment.'"
Doris Cottam, Head of School- The Langley School, McLean, VA

"As a result of your work, I think we have created a new dialog about faculty compensation at Head-Royce. You have given us many ways to think about the issues we face, and you have helped establish a process that I believe will enable us to address the strategic financial issues before us."
Paul Chapman, Head of School- The Head-Royce School, Oakland, CA

"Your ability to listen to conflicting ideas of faculty, administration and board and to apply your rich knowledge of compensation and evaluation to our situation was extremely helpful. You said things which we at school simply could not say to each other. As important, you were credible! Yesterday's meeting, marked by candor without alienating individual participants reflects the standard you set in your presentation to us."
Richard L. Wade, Head of School- Germantown Friends School, Philadelphia, PA

SCHOOL CLIMATE AND MORALE ISSUES

"I would like to express my sincerest thanks for your effort and time - since I had the feeling that this task of yours means more to you than merely earning money. You are as committed to your work as most of our school's teachers are to their line of work...I should like to congratulate you on having done an amazing job: In only 3 days you had to gain an insight into and an overview of our school's complex situation. It must be due to your broad experience that you could quickly get to the core of our problems presenting our difficulties in a condensed manner. Even if one takes into consideration that problems as ours do possibly not stand out and may appear quite "typical" to you (however not to us), I truly admire your strategies and abilities to extract and process information."
Teacher, Thuringia International School-Weimar, Weimar, Germany

"(John's) four day visit and twenty-three interviews on school climate resulted in teachers, administrators and trustees answering questions they had never been asked before on topics ranging from school culture to decision-making and change. John revealed negative behavior but more importantly he identified a process for school improvement and ignited a passion for positive change in all our human relationships. When I reflect on all the internal and external evaluations and the accreditation visits and emphasis our schools place on professional development, none of these have touched the heart and soul of our school in such a significant and positive way as John Littleford."
Tam Matthews, Headmaster - Ashbury College, Ontario

"We have been impressed with your inimitable style, your knowledge of the underlying sources of climate issues in international schools and your ability to engage others in genuine dialogue on issues that really matter. We have been amazed (and relieved) to discover that many of the issues we struggle with are the very same ones you have helped many other schools tackle. John, as a result of our work together I have learned much about school climate issues, our school's unwritten (yet potent) history, and have a much deeper understanding of the people I work with. And, I have personally acquired new strategies that can lead to improved understanding in a diverse school community.
Edward E. Greene, Ph.D., Director, International School of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

"John Littleford was invited to our School to help us engage in deep reflection, collect our thoughts and clarify language and action. The tool was a "school climate workshop" involving school leaders from across the community. The experience was focused, intense and positive. Not surprisingly, because of John's deep appreciation of independent school life, we were able to move beyond symbol and rhetoric to real issues. The workshop group has met several times since the conclusion of the workshop to formulate a strategy that will engage the whole teaching staff."
David Howie, Former Head of School - St. John's-Ravenscourt School, Manitoba

"I want to thank you for everything you have done to help Jacksonville Country Day School. You were very highly recommended to me as the right person to perform a school climate survey and Board governance workshop but your performance far exceeded those recommendations and my expectations. Your ability to quickly understand the school's culture, assess our weaknesses and strengths and then direct us on a path to address those weaknesses was remarkable and extremely beneficial. I also want to thank you for your willingness to stay engaged and help us as we implement some of your recommendations."
Edward E. Burr, President, JCDS Board of Trustees, Jacksonville Country Day School, Jacksonville, FL

"You immediately established a rapport with the faculty and earned their trust. These simple first steps allowed for an honest discourse on the school's strengths and challenges. Your insights and ability to 'hone in' on the issues were remarkable, while at the same time putting them in the context of the independent school community at large. You have the extraordinary gift of engaging people with your personal stories and authentic style. Personally, this was a turning point for me and the school and I thank you most sincerely. I would recommend your approach to any school facing these issues and I look forward to working with you again in the future."
Eileen Daunt, Head of School, Bayview Glen School, Toronto, Ontario

STRATEGIC PLANNING

"Faculty felt heard, and students were honored to have been able to speak candidly. Parents left feeling that they had a much larger stake in the future of the school than they did before. The Board was extremely impressed, not only with your incredible work ethic and efficiency, but also with the accuracy and thoroughness of your assessment of our school's strengths, challenges and unique issues and culture."
David Davies, Headmaster, Deerfield-Windsor School, Albany, GA

"You did a masterful job leading our retreat. Speaking from significant experience, you are able to take informed positions with a deep and confident understanding of school leadership. Communicating directly and clearly, you kept what could have been an elusive agenda moving and on track. You are uber responsive and professional. Thank you for affirming that choice and action, not circumstances, will determine our school's future success."
Dr. Timothy Johnson, Head, Pingree School, South Hamilton, MA

"It was indeed a pleasure to participate in a "live" session with you. I must admit that you exceeded my expectations as well as the entire boards. One member mentioned that a four hour meeting seemed to last only ten minutes, a testament to the content of the discussions."
John Langford, Board Chair, American International School of Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Your ability to listen to the constituent groups and identify objectives for the school was extremely helpful. Your management of those group discussions provided valuable information to our Board as we worked to identify strategic objectives."
M. Clark Sahlie, Board Chair, The Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, AL

"The resounding consensus was that the strategic planning workshop was very productive, eye opening, and energizing for us all. I enjoyed your high energy and quick wit, your effective and efficient manner, and absolutely know why they call you the best in the business! You should write a book!"
Gayle Tsien, Board Chair, Saigon South International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

"You (John) are direct and meticulous. You create a comfort level that allows each to share honestly because they feel valued. You gave us suggestions on how to take our challenges and turn them into opportunities. You have a great gift of listening and an even greater gift in bringing all together to move into the future. You have given us the necessary tools and directions to challenge ourselves to become the best we can be for the lives entrusted to our care. We are far better people for having been with you. Thank you, John."
Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, President, Walsingham Academy, Williamsburg, VA

"John was found to be very inclusive in his work. He was a good listener, and was very adept at picking up key issues when listening to different groups. He was able to articulate these issues into language that was acceptable and workable as we set strategic targets. John's organization translated into meaningful activities that helped our community to focus and a product was delivered in a timely fashion."
Greg Hedger, Head, Qatar Academy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Head-Elect, Escuela Campo Alegre, Caracas, Venezuela

"It has been a great experience working with you on the strategic plan. I simply loved your methodology, its simplicity and effectiveness."
Trustee, International Academy, Amman, Jordan

"Your workshop was an overwhelming experience. All the information you shared with us was helpful in understanding the most recent environment of schools around the world."
Trustee, Seoul Foreign School, Seoul. Korea

"I want to say that John's visit, his methodology, and his personal skills generated enormous good will among everyone involved. Over and over I heard comments from parents, faculty, staff and trustees that they felt heard and that at the same time, the process moved very quickly. John met with nearly 100 different people in small groups over the three days and everyone expressed gratitude for being a part of it- and excitement for the possibilities that were identified. Almost everyone commented with amazement how quickly John learned each person's name- and how clearly he was able to synthesize the issues at hand. His experience and his broad understanding of school culture and school issues were invaluable. John's expertise and his effectiveness made us look good for simply inviting him to work with us!"
John Long, Head of School, The Post Oak School, Bellaire, TX

"It was amazing, truly amazing. In my 35 years in this business, I have been involved in many strategic planning sessions with many facilitators, but never with results like this! Your skill in h helping us to focus, in distilling our thoughts, in providing guidance through the process resulted in true consensus and the framework for building our future. You said we had good people and a passion for what we do. But we've always had that. It was you who made the difference, and I am grateful to you."
John Markwood, Former Executive Director - Timber Ridge School, Winchester, VA

"I am so grateful to you for the incredible job that you did with our Board and stakeholders in facilitating our Strategic Plan. We had been kicking around some ideas for over a year but were unable to come up with a plan that all could buy into. In just one week's time, you were able to identify our strategic issues and then guided our Board into reaching consensus on six strategic goals that will have s profound impact on the future of our school."
D. Jeffrey Keller, Director - The American School Foundation of Monterrey, Mexico

"A bit of irony for you, as a member of the finance committee I was strongly opposed to bringing in a consultant, not specifically you, but any consultants. Universally, I have found that all but one consultant in the world (the one being you) only confirms what an organization already knows and the money is wasted. I have to say after your visit that I was wrong and am proud to admit it. Now I am strongly recommending that we retain you for our marketing efforts."
Trustee - Southfield School, Shreveport, LA

"John is very skillful at presenting this information in a cohesive manner, and at boiling it down to critical points. He is extraordinary at getting the leadership of a school to focus, in a very democratic way, on key priorities. Some consultants can be very elliptical; John has a talent for drilling down pretty quickly to what is essential. It is clear that he has a true passion for his work. His energy level is extraordinary. His stories both instruct and inspire. He certainly understands client service; as we were preparing for his visit, he was very responsive to my questions no matter where he was in the world."
B. Thomas Byrne, Jr., Board Chair, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, NJ

"We had a board meeting this evening and you surely would have blushed at the comments we made regarding your mastery of the strategic planning process. You kept us on track; you made us think quickly, yet thoughtfully; and you enabled us to reach consensus on the very important future work ahead of us. On top of that, we thoroughly enjoyed it."
Bob Monsour, Trustee, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, NJ

"Planning on not attending the four hour session, I consented to attend the break-out to meet at least a small portion of my obligation as a new member of the Board. During that session I changed my mind about the general retreat and changed my calendar. I was impressed with the depth and range of your experience and knowledge, and likewise with the ability with which you conveyed (and received) information. Not being easily impressed and not being completely sold on the vital importance of what a private school education offers, you knocked it out of the park on both accounts. Thank you for your time and obvious diligent efforts on behalf of the school and our children. Job well done!"
Trustee - Southfield School, Shreveport, LA"

"Your credentials are certainly impressive, but I'd say your presentation and your ability to identify with and relate to issues directly related to our school and our people, is the most impressive skill you presented. I believe you orchestrated and ran an outstanding meeting today. I think we have the information, tools, questions, insights, etc, that we need to move forward. It's up to us to do it, but I suspect we will be calling on you more than once again in the future."
Mike Goodrich, Board Member, All Saints Episcopal School of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX

"John came to Crescent for five days to help us clarify our governance at the School and to jump-start our Strategic Planning process. John's energy, and far-ranging knowledge of the subject matter allowed him to zero in on key issues-although he never prejudged it or made it seem as if our school were anything but unique...The Board and invited management team were astonished by the breadth of information that had been gathered from the focus groups, and were energized to take what they had learned and to move to implementing it into our strategic plan. The entire process was inspiring- a tour de force engineered masterfully by John Littleford...It is a distinct pleasure to write about John Littleford, not only because he is an accomplished facilitator, but because his prodigious knowledge, sense of calm and his sincere desire to improve independent school education everywhere is unique. Simply, he is an encouraging, respectful activist for independent education."
Geoff Roberts, Headmaster - Crescent School, Toronto

"I have to say I was not looking forward to strategic planning, as I've been to other sessions at a large, non-profit where I worked in Dallas, and it was DULL, DULL, DULL! And the end product usually consisted of an enormous document that was filed away and never used by anyone. Your strategic planning session, however, was very insightful, interesting and I feel like we walked away with a real plan that we can actually put into place."
Trustee - Southfield School, Shreveport, LA"

"Mr. Littleford was hired by the Board of our School to take us through a strategic planning process and offered guidance on board governance as well. His knowledge and understanding of the operations of an independent school were outstanding, and the reflections that he could call upon because of his vast experience brought credibility to all of his insights. (His) expertise is the strongest reason that the Board is unanimous and confident in establishing a new direction. To me as a Head, John offered support, enthusiasm and credibility to our school and the way it operates."
Paul G. Kitchen, Headmaster- RSC Netherwood, Rothesay, New Brunswick

"I very much appreciated your help in strategic planning, but even more so I appreciated the inspiration that you provided. I value focus, efficiency, effectiveness and quality - attributes that you did not speak about, but rather concretely demonstrated. I love teaching and think it an art, but I think the art even more effective with a more measured approach to achieving its goals - the business element that you spoke about. I latched onto the comment that you made about the most successful schools in the world, measured against any criteria of success, being the ones most businesslike."
Lorne Bird, Trustee, American International School of Bucharest, Romania

"It was a great achievement for our school to have you with us last week. We were all very impressed by your experience, in depth preparation of the discussions and understanding of the issues we are facing."
Veronica Savanciuc, Trustee, American International School of Bucharest, Romania

"I believe that the (strategic planning) process you favor really works, and I applaud your stamina and your ability to listen patiently. Your created a strong sense of trust, and you were able to put what we said against the backdrop of your extensive knowledge of independent schools. As a result, we shaped a consensus of priorities rather quickly. In the culminating workshop you were encouraging but frank, confident but respectful, qualities our trustees appreciated."
Ellis L. Haguewood- Headmaster-Memphis University School, Memphis, TN

EXECUTIVE SEARCHES

"What a fantastic task master! You ensured that we kept to an agreed schedule and did it in a way that was both informed and graceful. I appreciate all that you have done to ensure that we had a pool of top caliber candidates which gave us the opportunity to make the right choice. I really appreciate the bond of trust that we created with you and your consummate professionalism. Getting it right the first time is important when it comes to choosing a head and we have managed to do just that, thanks to you!"
Paul Templeton, Chair, Sotogrande International School, Cadiz, Spain

"We are aware of John's incredible knowledge and extensive network of connections in the independent school world. That combined with his remarkable work ethic made John an easy choice for us as we considered Head of School consultants. Throughout the process John and his staff were always accessible and their communications were prompt and timely. An excellent handbook filled with procedures, guidelines, reminders and examples was provided as a tool, but John guided us through each step along the way. John and his staff offered just the right amount of gentle pressure to keep our search moving along our optimal timeline and were always professional and thorough."
David Allain, Board President, The Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA

"The PHILLIPS Board retained Littleford & Associates to assist with a nation-wide search for a new President and CEO. We were looking for someone with a special combination of the strong management skills needed to run an $18million organization and the programmatic and social skills to fit into PHILLIPS well-established and vibrant culture. John Littleford, with able assistance from Lisa Ireland, helped us in a six-month process that lead to the selection of a new President and CEO that both the Board and PHILLIPS staff (and the outgoing leader) are thrilled with. During the course of this process, John worked very closely with me and other members of our Committee to draft and refine our position description; identify through various channels and connections, a very talented and diverse applicant pool; provide advice on process that ensured fairness to all candidates; and allowed us to really know and understand the candidates we became serious about; and provide advice and assistance in closing with the candidate we selected."
James E. Ward, Chair of the Search Committee, PHILLIPS Programs for Special Children, Annandale, Virginia

"We benefitted greatly from John Littleford's extensive experience of educational leadership and his network of worldwide contacts - notably in attracting a strong pool of candidates, in assessing candidates' motivation to join our community and in supporting a search process under changing circumstances. Throughout the entire process, John was completely professional and reliable. He was very prompt in sending us information and in arranging an on-site visit where he met with the Board and different constituent groups in order to draft the profile of our next Head of School. John was pro-active throughout the process and we formed a strong team. It was enjoyable and inspiring to work with him. He was always accessible, no matter where he was in the world."
Kathleen Hedman, Co-Chair of Search Committee, Inter-Community School Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

"John stood out for his professionalism and dedication to the search. He helped us through each stage of the process from identifying qualified candidates, short listing, and throughout the interviewing, offer and post-appointment transition process. Despite his heavy traveling schedule, he was always easily accessible and responsive and ready to answer and ready to provide his advice. He was particularly helpful in assisting us to address questions and concerns raised by the candidates in the course of the search and ensuring that candidates remain interested in the position. John is not afraid to speak his mind and provide authoritative and objective advice, while always respecting the Search Committee's opinions and supporting us to get to a result that would be best for the School."
Philip Sohmen, Deputy Chairman of the Board, YK Pao School, Shanghai, China

"Thank you for guiding us through the head search process for Glenlyon-Norfolk School. You introduced us to some extraordinary candidates who would have been beyond our reach without your global outlook. The in-depth interviews which you conducted with the school community at the beginning of the process not only created that important buy-in, but also identified the key attributes required of our incoming head."
Bruce Homer, Past Chair, Board of Governors - Glenlyon-Norfolk School, British Columbia

"When our trustees approached me for advice following my decision to retire, I had absolutely no hesitation recommending you to conduct our search. Indeed, you were the first name to spring to mind. We had worked together on strategic planning at my last school, over ten years ago, and such a positive experience had definitely stayed with me. The trustees and I thoroughly enjoyed working with you on the search and were, of course, delighted at its outcome. We all admired your frankness, the thoroughness of your approach and your professionalism."
David Brooks, Former Director, The Riverside School, Zug, Switzerland

"Regardless of where you were physically located at any given time, you always responded to our questions and dilemmas promptly and with excellent advice. (As our search consultant) your guidance and in particular advice to me was extremely valuable and useful in achieving our ultimate goal. You brought forth numerous qualified candidates to the search committee, from around the globe, and this allowed us to really evaluate the options available to the school. You truly provided Elmwood School with a comprehensive Executive Search service which addressed every element of the process."
Jacob Polisuk, Chair, Board of Directors, Elmwood School, Ottawa, Ontario

MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING

"We are on our way to having raised approximately $8,000,000 over the first three years of our annual fund. You (John) have helped us to frame the strategic vision that continues, three years after its formulation, to serve as the reference point for our school's initiatives. Your remarkable ability to quickly size up a new school client's needs does not begin to hint at the richness of a longer term relationship in which you are able to bring to bear various strands of a school's past on the challenges at hand."
Dr. Ted Faunce, Head, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"John's strategy is to create among the parent body a palpable advocacy for mentoring. He did that for us. All who worked with John felt heard. His meetings and summary discussions reinforced a sense of pride in the School. John's approach helped us learn more about ourselves and has given us a road map for sustained follow-up. His presentations were truly inspirational. He is a fantastic public speaker and is able to contextualize the importance of independent school education in a way that helps parents better understand the investment they are making."
Jim Skrumbis, Head, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, CA

"Our mission had integrity. John helped us craft a powerful tagline and provided us with a game plan to recruit, train, and empower over one hundred admissions ambassadors to "shout out" the good work going on at our school. Today our admission ambassadors continue to market the school in a multitude of ways and this is due to the clarity and plan from John Littleford. John is one of the most gifted, efficient, intelligent, and caring people that I have had the privilege of knowing."
Todd Clingman, Head, North Cobb Christian School, Kennesaw, GA

"I can't tell you how you changed my life at your wrap up session at our school. Your obvious passion for what you do enables our school to receive the feedback it needs to be the best it can be and therefore give our children the most outstanding education possible. You also touch the heart of every parent in the audience and build an inspiring trust in us that makes us all feel that we are making the best decisions for our children. Thank you for your exceptional communication with both faculty and parents."
Parent, Sierra Canyon School, Chatsworth, CA

"On behalf of the Chinese International School community, thank you for your invaluable guidance as our School has planned and conducted its first Annual Fund. At the time of writing, less than four weeks after launch, our pledges and donations total more than double the substantial dollar goal we set (HKD 17.8m or USD 2,287,900) and the current participation rate of 60% rises daily. It is hard to believe that in less than one year you have taken us from a state of general ignorance about annual funds to a landmark success in execution… You know how to create a sense of ownership among the school community. You listen, feed back, synthesize, challenge and provide a path forward."
Ted Faunce, Headmaster, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"Your recent visit was a new venture for us and your proposal to conduct focus groups to help us assess our market perception with past and present parents and alumni and then enlist them to become our ambassadors through both their words and their actions was ambitious. Fifteen groups in four days must have been exhausting, but each group found you engaging. Your ability to hear their views, keep them on task and then summarize their messages makes you invaluable! You provided us with excellent information as well as a plan to move forward and claim our place in the market…It has been about three weeks since your visit but parents are still talking about the energy of your feedback session and how eager they are to become part of volunteer groups to market Episcopal both internally and externally. Their time and ours could not have been better invested."
Dale Regan, Head of School, Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, FL

"The Ambassadors Program has already paid dividends in the quality of the Open House that we staged last week. A Corporate VP observed that his Company could take lessons about organization from the way we handled the Open House. Tours were thorough, student guides were cheerful and well versed and Ambassadors were well prepared, armed with relevant information. This Program will only get better for us as we use it more efficiently."
Leonard Kupersmith, Head of School, Christ Church Episcopal School, Greenville, SC

"As we progress through this fall, it is apparent to teachers and parents that in the span of six months we have already created a cultural shift of significant proportions in our K-8 division. What was already a very good school, has been made even better and those areas that needed improving are being improved. We now have parents engaged appropriately engaged in the life of the school… There is still much to be done but it is apparent already that John's influence was the driving force that brought all of the pieces together. This simply would not have happened without the influence of an outside presence who gained the trust and support of both parents and faculty."
Tom Sheppard, Director of Admission, Stevenson School, Pebble Beach, California

"You immediately helped us set up a framework for investigating our enrollment issue. You conducted an in depth analysis of our admission and recruiting structure, interviewed parents whose children chose our school and those who didn't. You detected certain structural problems and anomalies in our relationship to our primary feeder school and helped us in our reevaluation of our admission personnel. Besides rethinking our admissions procedures you also helped us rethink our marketing campaign."
Metuka Benjamin, Director of Education, Stephen S. Wise Temple/Milken Community High School, Los Angeles, CA

TEACHER AND STAFF TESTIMONIALS - Teacher Compensation and Evaluation, School Climate and Morale, Strategic Planning

Teacher Compensation and Evaluation

"I thought you did a wonderful job outlining issues at our school, how they compare to different schools, and presenting a plan for next steps. It is the first time that we have had such an honest discussion that included several constituencies and I really appreciate that kind of model."
Senior Administrator, Campbell Hall School, Los Angeles, CA

"I have never before attended such a well organized and balanced meeting."
Teacher, Campbell Hall School, Los Angeles, CA

"I felt the workshop was fantastic and will prove very useful in terms of stimulating conversation towards redesigning salary structure."
Sr. Administrator, The International School of Zug and Luzern, Hunenberg, Switzerland

"I could feel your positive energy from the moment I walked into the room. Right away I felt I could speak to you openly and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening as you did. What a busy life you lead consulting scores of schools, yet somehow you are able to make it all so relative for people at the personal level. I will no longer complain about life's challenges; you have helped me see them as opportunities!"
Teacher, American International School of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary

"Your session was a very productive use of our time. I felt we were being challenged all afternoon. Your lesson preparation and time planning were an example to us and I certainly benefitted from seeing some good teaching techniques in action."
Teacher, The International School of Zug and Luzern, Hunenberg, Switzerland

"Thank you so much for your message and, especially, for your presentation to us all. I wish every one of our teachers could have had the benefit of hearing your findings, learning about your research and experience, and, above all, feeling the passion and love of teaching that you communicated. Not only did you address issues of compensation, but you also circulated a currency of spirit that inspired us all. How valuable it was! All those I spoke with wanted more and felt the time too short. (We also could not believe how you knew all of our names and called us by such….what incredible care!)"
Teacher, University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe, MI

"I wish every one of our teachers could have had the benefit of hearing your findings, learning about your research and experience, and above all, feeling the passion and love of teaching that you communicated. Not only did you address issues of compensation but you also circulated a currency of spirit that inspired us all."
Teacher, University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

"It was indeed a great pleasure to meet you. The professionalism of your presentation amazed and impressed me, and everyone, as did your interview process. WE all left knowing that you were well worth the price of admission (and whatever the school paid to get you here). In the short time you were here you seemed to grasp the main issues and gave us all a very important worldly perspective often missing in small group negotiations I particularly liked the different ways to build a salary scale, and all the things that should be considered when doing so. End of the day, you gave us a lot to think about and, importantly, a way forward. I have volunteered for the benefits committee, by the way."
Teacher, International School of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya

"Thank you so much for your message and, especially, for your presentation to us all. I wish every one of our teachers could have had the benefit of hearing your findings, learning about your research and experience, and, above all, feeling the passion and love of teaching that you communicated. Not only did you address issues of compensation, but you also circulated a currency of spirit that inspired us all. How valuable it was! All those I spoke with wanted more and felt the time too short. (We also could not believe how you knew all of our names and called us by such….what incredible care!) We look forward to the explorations and considerations ahead and to arriving at some conclusions and actions that bring a better sense of balance to us all."
Teacher, University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

"I thought that the workshop was extremely beneficial for all concerned. I particularly enjoyed the two sessions that we had and was very happy to have the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas in the small group session. Sometimes it is very good just to have the time to speak with colleagues. I thought that the workshops were very well received and you brought up many crucial points that had been touched on in meetings but this obviously now gives the impetus and the confidence to move many of these ideas forward. I am very happy to be working with the board and thoroughly enjoyed the programme that you had put together. I think we sometimes underestimate the need for outside support and I would wholeheartedly endorse the chance to continue with the work started this week."
Teacher, International School of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

"It was a truly enlightening experience attending your workshop and I appreciated also having the opportunity to meet with you on an individual basis. I am only sad that you were not able to stay longer and see the outcome of the committees. Following your advice, I have enrolled to take part in the salary review committee. I am attending an IB conference tonight; just hope that time permits me to achieve in life generally all that I'd like to accomplish. I wish you well and cannot emphasize enough the profound effect that you had on me. After the Saturday workshop I came away with the feeling that addressing this topic may not be the negative threat that I had feared and that things can progress in a positive way. I too hope that our paths will cross in the future."
Teacher, German Swiss International School, Hong Kong

"I found the workshop and your recommendations to be very useful for our school. You were an obvious expert in the fields we are reviewing, very organized and efficient with your time, and easily able to present your findings to our group. I appreciated your sincerity in the importance of valuing teachers, as well as, understanding why and how boards and administrations make decisions."
Teacher, Greensboro Country Day School, Greensboro, NC

I feel honored to be a part of this process. Your workshop was informative, thought provoking, interesting and efficient. You used our time wisely while balancing the cold, hard facts (and charts) with your personal stories. You kept us involved, and the time flew (even on a Friday afternoon!). You displayed both candor and discretion, and we are fortunate that you came to work with us. Thank you for your work as a catalyst for positive change in our classrooms and in the GDS community."
Teacher, Greensboro Day School, Greensboro, NC

You are indeed an amazing teacher and I feel everybody who decided not to participate in the workshop really missed an opportunity. The e-mails circulated after the workshop let everybody feel that there is a positive foundation, so that we hopefully all can work together to achieve something for the whole school.
Teacher, German-Swiss International School, Hong Kong

I wish you well and cannot emphasize enough the profound effect that you had on me. After the Saturday workshop, I came away with the feeling that addressing this topic may not be the negative threat that I had feared and that things can progress in a positive way. I too, hope that our paths will cross in the future.
Teacher, German-Swiss International School, Hong Kong

"Your thoroughness, your candor, and your vast experiential base were especially important in making your time with us both helpful and supportive. I especially appreciated your comments about: the need for meaningful affirmation, the need to continue to seek the triple threat person, the need for greater confidence in administrators, and the need for preserving "institutional memory. Again, I found the sessions to be provocative and candid, helpful and supportive, and I thank you on behalf of many others.
Teacher, The Hill School, Pottstown, PA

"That was the best presentation yet by an outsider. I appreciated John's candor with all aspects of compensation and benefits. It was informative and very well presented, bracketed by two great stories. My colleagues here felt similarly. It's obvious he's a professional but he also seemed well informed with our operation."
Teacher, The Stevenson School, Pebble Beach, CA

"Thank you for the wonderfully informative presentation and the opportunity to further make Chaminade-Madonna a better place. The workshop was one of the best I have attended on education and I look forward to continuing communication with you. Theinformation that you presented was extremely relevant and hopefully wecan put some of the recommendations from the committee into practice."
Teacher, Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory School, Hollywood, FL

"Yesterday's (faculty compensation) workshop was inspiring! I felt energized and grateful to be part of the community. Our mission is not only about assisting students to realize their potential and the fact that they each have value- it extends to the faculty and staff as well. I have never felt as valued, cared about or felt as much a part of the process by an employer as I do here. Thanks for all you do!"
Teacher, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT

"I can't tell you how privileged I felt to have had the opportunity to meet you and to attend your workshop. Your stories brought me to tears, your information and handouts I will treasure. Your research and suggested structures are just what we need to keep the School growing and committed to objective evaluation and thoughtful compensation."
Teacher, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT

"You are a wonderful story-teller (I can see you must have been a great teacher), and unlike the dreary Power-Point presentations I've endured in recent years. your (workshop) kept my interest from beginning to end. It's not that compensation, benefits, or even evaluation are such fascinating subjects per se, but in focusing on the rationales, conscious or unintentional, that inform them you somehow reminded us of the importance of what we do each day-teach kids".
Teacher, Moorestown Friends School, Moorstown, NJ

"Your workshop was very well received. There is an emerging buzz and sense of energy around the issue of compensation that I think we can capitalize on. I commend Larry (Van Meter) for moving us in the direction of a more open, transparent salary structure, one that is tailored to our specific mission and philosophy, and one that is the product of a more democratic process than has traditionally been the case here."
Teacher, Moorestown Friends School, Moorstown, NJ

"Upon my return from the Peace Corps, I think I'll make sure the schools I look to work in have consulted with you. Working in a school with a compensation plan in line with its values makes so much sense I'm chagrined that I never considered it more carefully before."
Teacher, Moorestown Friends School, Moorstown, NJ

"First, from my own perspective, your presentation was one of the best I have listened to in years. Not too much came as an absolute surprise, but the way in which you held up a mirror to the school was so honest and refreshing. I felt you challenged a few of my own preconceived ideas about the appraisal process, which has given me a completely different perspective. I played a part in trying to delink appraisal from the contractual cycle...I now accept your point that the appraisal process, if truly fair and objective, has to be part of the contractual arrangement."
Teacher, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"I found the questions you asked in the interview pertinent and the analysis you offered of school culture in the workshop perceptive and essential in order to gauge the likely success of possible changes to appraisal and remuneration. I thought that you had taken the pulse of the school very accurately. In fact, to continue the medical metaphor, you publicly lanced the boil, and I hadn't expected this! I felt relieved that someone had at last stated the facts simply and dispassionately in front of an audience of board, staff and protagonists. Others at the meeting discreetly conveyed a similar reaction. In fact, I was interested to get a feel for reactions to the workshop and discreetly asked a few individuals what they generally thought of it. All reactions were positive, which is unusual."
Teacher, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"Your stories just reminded me of what it is about teaching that I love, keep on sharing those stories, they are very inspirational indeed. Thanks for the enlightening workshop; it was time well spent. I am not normally one to put myself forward on committees, but after listening to you I have put my name forward to be on the committees, we will see what now
Teacher, Chinese International School, Hong Kong

"Your workshop yesterday really inspired me to be the best person and teacher I can be. I will never forget the two stories you shared that touched your life and now have touched mine. A board member walked out with me last night and told me her 5th grade son would pick me as the teacher that influenced his life. Thank you for coming to AOS and helping us to better enrich the school environment on all levels."
Teacher, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

"You are a presence in whose light I might enjoy walking. You brought us a keen mind, outstanding focus, an ability to listen and a sense of purpose. You have a feel for our community of educators, and your departure, even after so short a time, is like that of an older brother off to college. I'm looking forward to the challenges posed by these tasks."
Teacher, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

Yesterday's (faculty compensation) workshop was inspiring! I felt energized and grateful to be part of the community. Our mission is not only about assisting students to realize their potential and the fact that they each have value- it extends to the faculty and staff as well. I have never felt as valued, cared about or felt as much a part of the process by an employer as I do here. Thanks for all you do!"
Teacher, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston, TX

"I can't tell you how privileged I felt to have had the opportunity to meet you and to attend your workshop. Your stories brought me to tears, your information and handouts I will treasure. Your research and suggested structures are just what we need to keep the School growing and committed to objective evaluation and thoughtful compensation."
Teacher, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT

"You are a dynamic speaker who kept my attention for three hours. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about a new salary structure and evaluation system. It is exciting to think that our committees will be putting new structures into place that will be here at PDS long after we have left. I have been appointed to serve on the Salary Structure Committee which was my first choice. I am eager to begin this process."
Teacher, Presbyterian Day School, Memphis, TN

"Visiting with you was an absolute pleasure. Besides hearing so much about compensation, I was truly entertained!! Thank you for your guidance, encouragement and support. I felt very honored to be a part of this process."
Teacher, Presbyterian Day School, Memphis, TN

"We thoroughly enjoyed your visit to St. George's last week. I have heard many positive comments from the faculty with whom you met. Additionally, the faculty with whom you did not get a chance to meet heard of your work and shared the excitement and enthusiasm of others."
Teacher, St. George's Schools, Collierville, TN

"The workshop was great. I found it enlightening and invigorating. I appreciate your respect for time as both the interview session and the presentation were concise, organized and efficient."
Teacher, St. George's Schools, Collierville, TN

School Climate and Morale

"What an inspiring and valuable 3 hours! The time flew by. I have spent a great deal of time thinking about processing, reflecting on, and digesting all of the information that you shared with us, and I look forward to the committee work ahead. We clearly have some challenges to embrace; you provided seeds and soil for the work ahead."
Teacher, Ellis School, Pittsburgh, PA

I feel that through your preparation and the many interviews, you knew the school and the group very well. Some of the observations you presented were both interesting and pertinent - as well as revelatory. You found a wonderful way of being positive and encouraging, at the same time as preparing some pretty challenging tasks, but these tasks have obviously been designed to "fit" us, in this particular situation, and I would say, are definitely approachable.
Teacher, International School of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Thank you for coming to meet our family at JCDS. Your insightfulness, professionalism, and expertise was exhibited from your purposeful, inspiring introduction to the adept, invaluable summary presentation the following day. The process in which you comfortably guided the faculty and staff to a clearer and more positive understanding of the transition we are experiencing was felt by all. I have had numerous faculty members come to me to share their thoughts about you being here. You definitely made a positive impact on this faculty. The impact was one that will help us through the upcoming years at school and in our own individual lives. Th e manner in which you presented this workshop had such an affect on how the information you discussed was received.
Teacher, Jacksonville Country Day School, Jacksonville, FL

"I wanted to thank you for your work with us. In the years prior to being in the independent school system, I was subjected to many self improvement type of seminars that all seemed to be geared towards justifying some superintendents job and had absolutely benefits for kids or teachers. Your presentation and interviews made me feel like my ideas are listened to and that as a group we can affect change for good. I believe the faculty will take the seed you have planted and make it grow."
Teacher - Bayview Glen School, Don Mills, Ontario

"I would like to thank you for the opportunity to meet with you during the interview process. The workshop was outstanding. The clarity of your message was unmistakable and resulted in considerable soul searching. I had viewed myself as a positive member of staff, but after examination, there is certainly room for improvement."
Teacher - Ashbury College, Ottawa, Ontario

"I think your insightful comments, observations and conclusions will be of great use to us. You did a good job identifying some of the problems we are encountering as a growing institution. It is reassuring to know that there are such dedicated educators as yourself helping so many to put their best foot forward."
Teacher - Ashbury College, Ottawa, Ontario

"As you practice your craft on us, I am always impressed with your skills to weave a story of your past experiences, good management theory and your knowledge of our staff into a quilt work of problem solving and self discovery. I think your intimate knowledge of our organization could be of immense value to our new CEO."
Staff Member - Catalina Island Conservancy, Avalon, CA

"I personally congratulated (the Head) for his sagacity and courage in bringing you in to help us. I wish to do everything possible to implement your recommendations and have volunteered to help in any way I can. Thank you for your perception and communication skills."
Teacher - Stanstead College, Quebec

"I would have loved for everyone to have heard you- I think your message was an important one."
Teacher - Stanstead College, Quebec

"Your stories really hit home and give all of us food for thought. I enjoyed having the opportunity to take part in the group. It helps me to be more aware of the concerns in the Senior School and to get to know my colleagues a little more. I think we all feel that progress was made in some areas since your first visit and I most certainly look forward to seeing growth continue in our school environment."
Teacher - Stanstead College, Quebec

"It is I who owe you a big thank you for your very skillful facilitation of our opening meetings on faculty climate. Clearly, you possess an extraordinary skill for getting people into the boat and rowing in the right direction. I appreciated your candor and discretion."
Teacher - Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Newton, MA

"Thank you for bringing your insights and vision to our school. You are amazingly perceptive and personal without being invasive. I was very impressed with the entire process."
Teacher - Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Newton, MA

"You have helped me as an individual teacher and our school. I wanted you to know that the interview process helped me to learn more about my colleagues and appreciate the different directions that they come from. You reminded me to reflect on why I became a teacher and how important it is to kind that in mind always. It is my hope that the way you have reached and influenced the faculty and board members at Elmwood will in turn able to reach others and create a more stable Elmwood community."
Teacher - Elmwood College, Ottawa, Ontario

Strategic Planning

"You were very efficient, knowledgeable and inspiring in your (strategic planning) workshop. Not a minute was wasted and everything was carried out in a very efficient manner. Your stories were touching and inspiring. You are a true expert in this field and we were lucky to have you guide us through this important process."
Teacher, Seoul Foreign School, Seoul, Korea

"Thank you for your impressive work of walking us through the initial stage of our Strategic Planning. The process seems so natural and painless for you, and you obviously can work a group to gather information that represents the thought of the masses. We came away with a set of important initiatives, plus the Board and Administrative Team had the opportunity to participate in the collaborative work of charting our school's plan."
Sr. Administrator, Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, Alabama

OTHER NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

"Real quickly and clearly you were able to capture an intimate understanding of not just the critical issues to consider, but our culture as well. I was somewhat concerned if you could learn who we were in just a few days and whether or not your final report would then be valid. These concerns were put to rest on day one with you."
Steve Diggs, Executive Director, Emerald Youth Foundation, Knoxville, TN

"I was pleased that the Zoo did engage you to put on a governance workshop for its board. Because that workshop was so well-received, the Zoo has subsequently engaged you to put on a workshop for its board on how the board can advance the significant capital campaign (the first one since the Zoo was privatized) in which it is currently engaged. Again, this was a very useful workshop."
Robert H. Graham, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Houston Zoo, Houston, TX

"As someone who thrives on deadlines and can't sit still for too long, yours was one of the best, most informative presentations I've attended. I'm amazed at the speed and accuracy of your analysis of KARM's role in the community and recommendations on how the board can help KARM serve the homeless and those who just need a little help."
Lori Tucker, Trustee, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, Knoxville, TN

"Thank you for the great job you did during your recent work with KARM. I very much appreciated your straight-forward, bottom line approach. Your observations and insight will help us greatly in evaluating what we are doing and how we can do it better for the benefit of our clients, our employees, and our community. As a result of your comments, I was moved to reassess and renew my commitment of time, talent, and resources to this work, and I'm sure other board members were as well. If I had words of constructive criticism, I would share them. I believe your comments were on target, and the assignment was completed in a professional, productive way. I am confident we will do a better job because of your visit."
Jim Piercey, Trustee, Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries, Knoxville, TN

"I have had previous positive experiences with "visioning" workshops conducted for non-profit boards on which I serve by reputable and able facilitators -- and frankly, your quick-study understanding of our institution and the structure of your presentation completely eclipsed my expectations based on these previous experiences."
Jonathan Day, Chair, Board of Directors, Houston Zoo, Houston, TX

"The small focus groups were very helpful in terms of obtaining detailed information from the Board members as well as the feedback forms you used to also solicit feedback. The workshop was exceedingly helpful; it far exceeded my expectations. I was amazed at your ability to so quickly identify the key issues facing our Board and organization and then present them very effectively and objectively. I have received numerous comments from Board members who participated about how valuable they believe the sessions were. They have also commented on how impressed they were at how much you were able to accomplish in such a short time. All agreed that this was a very effective use of their time. Coming from our very busy Board members, this is extremely high praise."
Deborah M. Cannon, President and CEO, Houston Zoo, Houston TX

"I have participated in many consultant sessions on all sorts of topics but you were one of the best. I liked the way you balanced the Board session with so many moving stories to inspire them to action. You never pointed fingers, just pointed out examples that they could identify with. I also like the way you structured the session and gradually built up to the key issues and challenges."
Rick Barongi, Zoo Director, Houston Zoo, Houston, TX

CORPORATIONS

"We recently engaged John to visit with our senior management team in anticipation of a significant expansion of our business in the coming months. Over the 3-day session, John met with each of the 12 individuals both individually and in small groups. John was able to objectively identify specific critical issues that we need to address in the coming months and succinctly conveyed them in a very powerful and effective closing meeting with the entire team. . . . In my interaction with John in the weeks leading up to the engagement he was very easy to communicate with and thorough in his preparation. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be calling upon John in the future."
Gregory W. Barnes, General Manager, Mercedes Benz Bill Ussery Motors, Coral Gables, FL