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Head of School, Lycée Calgary, Canada
Lycée Calgary has announced the appointment of its next Head of School, Mme. Francoise Bougaeff who will become Associate Head of School in 2023-24 and Head of School in 2024-25 succeeding Frederic Canadas. Mme. Bougaeff is currently Deputy Head of School at the Lycée Francais de Toronto and has more than 20 years of experience in the French educational system. Littleford & Associates was delighted to serve as the search firm in this process.
Head of the Sacred Heart School of Montreal
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce that the Sacred Heart School of Montreal has appointed Patricia Briand as the next Head of School effective July 1, 2023. She currently serves as Assistant Head of Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School in Montreal.
Head of School- American International School Chennai
American International School Chennai has appointed Leigh Fitzgerald as Head of School as of July 1, 2023. Since 2019 she has been Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii. Previously she held senior leadership positions at Wildwood School, Los Angeles, CA and Maui Preparatory Academy Hawaii.
Head of School- EF Academy, Pasadena, CA
Littleford & Associates is honored to announce that Sally Mingarelli, EdD has been appointed the Founding Head of EF Academy, Pasadena effective January 2022. Previously Ms. Mingarelli was the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Faculty at the Punahou School, Honolulu, HI. Prior to that, she was Director of Experiential Learning for the Webb Schools in Claremont, CA. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College, a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry from the University of California at Berkely and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the Rossier School of Education at UCLA.
Head of School- Inter-Community School Zurich
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce that Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS) Zumikon, Switzerland has named Lucy Gowdie as Head of School effective August 1, 2022. Ms. Gowdie joins ICS from the Peninsula Grammar School, one of the premier K-12 independent boarding/day schools in Victoria, Australia where she is serving as Deputy Head. A graduate of the University of Sydney, she has a Master of International Education, has pursued coursework at Harvard University and is studying for a Graduate Certificate in the International Baccalaureate at Murdoch University.
Head of School- The Study, Montreal, Canada
The Board of The Study has appointed Kim McInnes as Head of School, effective July 1, 2021. Ms. McInnes is currently the Assistant Head at Bayview Glen School in Toronto. She has also served as the Principal of the Mabin School in Toronto and was the Director of the Elementary School at The Study from 2016-18.
Head of School- Marburn Academy, New Albany, Ohio
The Board of Marburn Academy has appointed Eldrich Carr as Head of School, effective July 1, 2020. Since 2015, Eldrich Carr has been Principal of the Springer School and Center, devoted to the education of students with learning disabilities and located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to that, Eldrich was a Dean, Advisor and History Teacher at Cincinnati Country Day School from 2004. Eldrich has undergraduate degrees from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Institute, Columbia University.
Head of School- Bishop’s College School, Sherbrooke, Quebec
The Board of Directors of Bishop’s College School (BCS) has selected Michel Lafrance from among a large pool of qualified candidates as its next Head of School effective July 1, 2020. Michel has been Head of West island College, Montreal Quebec since 2013. From 2010-13, he was Executive Director of the Quebec Association of Independent Schools. Prior to that he was Assistant Head at two Schools, St. George’s School of Montreal and Herzliah High School. Michel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from McGill University and a Master’s Degree In Educational Leadership from the Universite de Sherbrooke. He is fluently bilingual.
Superintendent for American British Academy (ABA)- An IB World School, Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman
Craig R. Williamson has been appointed Head of the American British Academy of Oman, effective July 1, 2020. Craig is currently the Director of the International School of Riga, Latvia since 2017. Prior to that, Craig enjoyed a long and successful career at Chadwick International School, Incheon, South Korea where his last position was Assistant Head. Littleford & Associates was the Consultant to this Search.
Interim Superintendent – The American British Academy, Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck, currently Interim Head of School of The New School in Fayetteville, Arkansas as Interim Superintendent of the American British Academy, Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman effective August 1, 2019.
Head of School – The New School in Fayetteville, Arkansas
The New School, Fayetteville, Arkansas, has selected Nancy Lang to be its next Head of School effective July 1, 2019. Since 2015 she has been the Head of Journeys School of Teton Science Schools (TSS), a PK – 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Prior to that headship, Nancy had a distinguished 22-year career at the Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts where her last position was Associate Dean of Faculty. John C. Littleford was the Consultant to the Search.
Head of School – The International School of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
Littleford & Associates of is pleased to announce the appointment of the third Head of School and first female Head of the International School of Indiana. Elizabeth Head, currently General Director of the Pan-American School (Costa Rica), will assume her new duties at the ISI on January 2, 2019. The Board Chair stated, “Raised in Colorado, but bringing more than 20 years of international experience and bilingual leadership, Elizabeth will help us to unify our campuses, continue our strong academics and take our school into its new chapter after 25 years and build our school for the next 25.”
Interim Head – The New School, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Dr. Susan Groesbeck has accepted the position of Interim Head of The New School, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Groesbeck is currently the Interim Head at the Stratford Hall School (Vancouver, BC), and previously she held interim headships at the Emma Willard School, the Purnell School and Girls Preparatory School. She was Head of Havergal College, (Toronto, ON) Hilton Head Preparatory School and Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School earlier in her career.
Head of Secondary – Chinese International School, Hong Kong
The Chinese International School of Hong Kong has selected Christine Doleman as the new Head of the Secondary Division, effective July 1, 2018. Ms. Doleman has served since 2003 at the Shanghai American School, the oldest and largest international school in China. She has been the Vice Principal of the High School at SAS since 2012.
General Director – Escuela Americana El Salvador
Escuela American El Salvador has announced the appointment of Dr. Polly Parker, effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Parker is currently the General Director of Chase Collegiate School in Connecticut. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Southern California University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. in Social Work from the Southern Connecticut State University.
Head of Primary – Chinese International School in Hong Kong
The Chinese International School in Hong Kong has appointed Anne Gardon as Head of its Primary Division effective July 1, 2018. Ms. Gardon has almost 25 years of experience in the world of international education, having worked in Taiwan and Venezuela before moving to South Korea nearly two decades ago, where she has spent the past 18 years at Seoul Foreign School (SFS), regarded as one of the paramount international K-12 institutions in East Asia.
Head of School – Stratford Hall School, Vancouver, BC
Stratford Hall in Vancouver, BC has appointed Dean Croy as Head effective July 1, 2018. He is currently the Head of Southpointe School in Vancouver, BC. For 2017-18, the Interim Head of School will be Susan Groesbeck, currently the Interim Head of Emma Willard School in Troy, NY. Littleford & Associates also placed Susan Groesbeck in the Interim role.
Head of School and President – Miller School of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Virginia
The Board of the Miller School of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Virginia, has selected of J. Michael Drude of Katonah, NY as its new Head of School and President as of July 1, 2017. Mr. Drude will succeed Rick France who will be retiring as the Headmaster after seven years of exemplary leadership at the school.
Mike comes to the Miller School following sixteen years of service as the Assistant Headmaster at The Harvey School in New York, and five plus years there as a classroom instructor, coach and administrator. He is a graduate of Assumption College where he earned a BA degree in Mathematics and Fordham University where he earned his Masters of Business Administration in 1999.
Headmaster – Chinese International School of Hong Kong
The Board of Governors of the Chinese International School of Hong Kong has appointed John Michael (“Sean”) Lynch to succeed Dr.Ted Faunce as the next Headmaster of CIS as of July 1, 2018. Sean will join CIS from the Lycee Francais de New York, a leading dual language independent school where he has been the Head since 2011. Previously for fifteen years, he was at the American Section of the Lycee International at St. Germain-en-Laye outside of Paris where he taught history and geography and was Head of the American Section from 2006 to 2011.
Sean obtained a BA in History from Yale University and has advanced degrees in various disciplines from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques and Michigan State University. He will complete the prestigious Klingenstein Fellowship in January 2018.
CEO – CTF Education Management (Chow Tai Fook)
Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (Chow Tai Fook) located in Hong Kong has appointed Lyn Cheetham as CEO of a newly-formed entity, CTF Education Management effective January 1, 2017. Chow Tai Fook is a privately held diversified Hong Kong-based Company with investments in a group of for-profit Kindergarten Schools and involvement with Primary and Secondary schools including Delia School of Canada and the Victoria Shanghai Academy. All of these twenty Schools are located in Hong Kong and they serve approximately 10,000 students.
Lyn Cheetham is currently the Director of the International of Lausanne in Switzerland where she has served as Director since 2007. Lyn is also the Chair of The Swiss Group of International Schools and also a CIS & NEASC accreditation team visit Chair.
Chief Executive Officer – Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) is proud to announce the appointment of Steven E. Farmer, M.S., Ed.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Dr. Farmer, who earned Doctor of Education and Masters degrees in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Tennessee and has a wealth of experience as a leader and educator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and teachers-intraining, comes to WPSD from the Tennessee School for the Deaf, where he had served as Director of Student Life, and supervised a staff of 85 and managed a complex independent living curriculum, among other responsibilities.
Head of School – St. George’s School, Spokane Washington
The Saint George’s School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that James E. “Jamie” Tender has accepted the position of Head of School at Saint Georges School.
Tender is currently Assistant Head for Advancement at Saint George’s, responsible for the schools fundraising, admissions, communications and alumni relations. He will assume his new role as the 11th Head of School in Saint George’s 60-year history on July 1, 2016.
Head of IB Diploma Programme Development – International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization
The IBO has filled this position internally.
Head of School, Australian International School of Hong Kong
Littleford & Associates has successfully concluded the search for a new Head of the Australian International School of Hong Kong (AISHK). The search brought to the attention of the Search Committee of AISHK over sixteen qualified and experienced school heads from Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, Europe, New Zealand and Great Britain.
Bruce Simons, Principal of Hamilton and Alexandra College in Hamilton, Victoria, Australia will be the new Head of School/Principal as of January, 2016. His appointment will bring the Primary and Secondary Schools back under the leadership of a single Head/Principal/CEO, succeeding co-Directors who have very capably served the School for several years.
Bruce has served as the Principal of Hamilton and Alexandra College since 1999. Having earned the respect of his peers in Australia, Bruce has been elected to a position on the Executive Board of the Victorian Branch of the Associated Heads of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA) on four occasions and to the Executive Board of Independent Schools Victoria (ISV). Bruce and his wife, Julie, are looking forward to their tenure in Hong Kong where they have visited often on behalf of their College in building exchange relationships between Australia and Hong Kong.
Oberoi International School – Mumbai, India
Littleford & Associates is delighted to announce that the following positions have been filled.
Head of Secondary School (Grades 6-12)
Davi Sanchez Netto, Currently US Principal Escola Americana de Campinas
Head of Early Years (Grades PS-SKG)
Cate Arnquist, Currently Associate Principal Early Years Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lima Peru
President/Chief Executive Officer, The Midland Corporation, North Branch, NJ
Littleford & Associates is delighted to announce that the Midland Corporation, Branchburg, NJ has appointed Steve Bruce President and CEO of the Midland Corporation and Executive Director of the Midland School as of July1, 2013. He replaces Phil Gartlan who is retiring after 40 years of service to Midland.
Since 1996, Mr. Bruce has held various leadership and senior management positions at Bancroft School, Haddonfield, NJ. He was most recently Vice President of Strategic Planning.
Mr. Bruce has a Masters Degree in Special Education from Temple University.
Executive Director, The Benedictine School For Exceptional Children, Ridgely, Maryland
Scott W. Evans has been appointed Executive Director of the Benedictine School for Special Children. Mr. Evans has held various positions at Benedictine for the past twelve years, the most recent being Acting Executive Director following the retirement of Sr. Jeannette Murray and Deputy Director.
Mr. Evans has an MBA from Temple University and a BS in Business Administration from Villanova University. He serves on the Board of the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and been a volunteer with the Special Olympics with many years.
Head of School, THINK Global School (TGS)
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Alun Cooper as Head of THINK Global School (TGS) effective July 1, 2012. TGS offers its multinational students the opportunity to attend a “school without walls”, that is to pursue a demanding academic program and engage in enriching cultural experiences in twelve different international cities over twelve trimesters. TGS is an IBDP World School. Alun Cooper has worked in international schools worldwide since 1978 and has been a Head of School since 1982. Alun has the experience of leading IB schools since 1990 and has served on many IBO working committees.
Head of School, American International School of Rotterdam
Neal Dilk will assume the headship of AISR. Neal is currently the Head of Aoba-Japan International School where he has also held the positions of Director of Curriculum, Middle School Principal and faculty member at the School.
Secondary Principal, Beijing City International School
William J. O’Hearn III will be the new Principal of the BCIS Secondary School. Presently he is Director of Ross Middle School, East Hampton, NY.
Director of University Guidance and Placement, Beijing City International School
Andrea O’Hearn will join her spouse at BCIS. She has held similar positions at Ross School and Lawrence Academy, MA.
Head of School, Sotogrande International School, Cadiz, Spain
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Fairey as Head of Sotogrande International School, Cadiz, Spain, effective July 1, 2012. Mr. Fairey is currently Associate Head of Washington International School, Washington, DC, where he has served since 2008. Prior to that, he was Director of Technology at the American School of Paris, St. Cloud, France for five years. He has a B.A. Degree from Florida State University and a M.ED in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia.
Head of School, Somersfield Academy, Devonshire, Bermuda
Somersfield Academy, Devonshire, Bermuda has appointed Peter Harding as its next head of School effective July 1, 2012. He is currently the Head of the British School of Washington, Washington, DC. Mr. Harding is an experienced international school head having been Director of the International School of Azerbaijan, The International School of Budapest and Danube International School and Headmaster of St. Andrew’s School, Nassau, Bahamas.
Head of School, Inter-Community School of Zurich
The Inter-Community School of Zurich has appointed Mary-Lyn Campbell as Head of School effective July 1, 2012. Mary-Lyn is currently the Principal of The British Schools, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce that after an extensive search including an impressive pool of external candidates, Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA has chosen Gail Wolter as Head of School effective July 1, 2011. Ms. Wolter is the current Assistant Head of Wyndcroft and she succeeds Kate Wunner who is retiring on June 30, 2011.
Gail Wolter was named Assistant Head in 2006. She joined Wyndcroft in 2001 and has taught Fifth and Sixth Grade English, Fifth Grade Social Studies and has been an advisor, Upper School Coordinator and racquet sports coach.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia College in River Forest, IL and a Masters in Education from Valparaiso University.
YK Pao School, Shanghai, China
Tony Jaccaci has been at St. George’s School in Newport, RI since 1998. He currently serves as the School’s Director of Global Programs and also teaches Mandarin Chinese , Introduction to Asian Civilizations and the Seminar in Global Studies. Mr. Jaccaci has B.A. from Harvard University and a M.A.L.D. from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Tuscaloosa Academy, Tuscaloosa, AL
Dr. Jeffrey L. Mitchell has accepted the position as Head of School of Tuscaloosa Academy effective July 1, 2009. Since 2005, Dr. Mitchell has been Director of the Lower School of Park Tudor School, Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to that he was Vice Principal of St. George’s School, Vancouver, BC from 1999-2005. He received a Master’s in Educational Administration and Doctorate in Education from the University of British Columbia and he is a E.E. Ford/ NAIS Fellow. Dr. Mitchell also completed the Hoosier Leadership Program at the Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business.
Stockholm International School, Stockholm, Sweden
Littleford & Associates is delighted to announce that Stockholm International School has selected Mr. Rune Svaninger as its new Head of School. Mr Svaninger is an experienced educational leader who has been Head of two of Sweden’s most prestigious international boarding schools, Lundsberg Skola and Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket (Sigtuna). He is well respected and connected in the country’s corporate and governmental areas as well as in the academic realm.
The Pathway School, Norristown, PA
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of David Maola as President/Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Maola is President of his own consulting company which advises non-profits on legal, operational and fundraising matters. Previously, he was the Executive Director of several Foundations: The Drug Information Association and Foundation (Pennsylvania, Switzerland and Japan); Chester County Bar Association and Foundation (West Chester, Pennsylvania); and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (Chicago, IL). Mr. Maola has a law degree from Temple University, an MBA from California pacific University and a BA from Temple University.
Saint Joseph’s High School, Trumbull, CT
Saint Joseph’s High School, Trumbull, CT has appointed William J. Fitzgerald as President. Bill Fitzgerald has been Headmaster of Pope John XXIII High School in Holyoke, MA since 2005. Previously, he was President of the Catholic Schools of Pittsfield, MA and Director of Holyoke Catholic High School in Holyoke, MA. Mr. Fitzgerald holds a Doctorate of Philosophy, Education Administration and a Master of Education both from Boston College. He has a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts.
The Elmwood School, Ottawa, Canada
The Elmwood School Ottawa Canada has appointed Cheryl L. Boughton as Head of School. Cheryl Boughton is currently the Deputy Head of Bedford Preparatory School in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, an independent boarding school for 1100 male students. Prior to joining Bedford, Ms. Boughton spent eight years working in all-girls schools in the United Kingdom. Educated at Queen’s University and the University of Toronto, Ms. Boughton has over ten years experience in progressively senior roles managing independent schools.
The Timber Ridge School, Winchester, VA
Littleford & Associates is delighted to announce that The Timber Ridge School, Winchester, VA, has appointed John J. Lamanna as Executive Director effective July 1, 2007. John Lamanna has been Chief Operating Officer of the Timber Ridge School since 1979. He has served the Timber Ridge School in various capacities since 1976. In addition to many certifications and licenses and special training, Mr. Lammana has a Doctorate of Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and both a Masters in Counseling and Personal Guidance and a B.A. in Social Science from St. Bonaventure University.
Lowell School, Washington, DC
We are pleased to announce that Deborah Gibbs, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Marin Country Day School, Corte Madera, CA has been appointed Head of the Lowell School effective July 1, 2007.
Chinese International School, Hong Kong, SAR, China
Littleford & Associates is pleased to announce that the Chinese International School has named Tonya R. Porter Head of the Primary School Division. Since 2001, Ms. Porter has been Principal of the United Nations International School Junior School in New York, New York. Prior to that she served as Principal of the International School Bangkok High School and as Principal of both Caledonia High School and Elementary School in Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Michigan State University.
Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong, SAR, China
Littleford & Associates is delighted to announce that the Hong Kong International School has appointed Ms. Lisa Ahnert as Mandarin Program Administrator. Presently, she is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Chinese Language Program at Southern Methodist University where she has served since 1997. Prior to that she was Director and Founder of the Chinese Language Program at the Greenhill School in Dallas, TX. Ms. Ahnert has an MA in Applied Linguistics and Communications from Oberlin College and a BA from Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
The Day School At The Children’s Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
It is with pleasure that Littleford & Associates announces the appointment of Cheryl A. Fogarty, Ed.D. as Chief School Administrator, The Day School At The Children’s Institute, Pittsburgh, PA. Presently she is the Director of the Educational Services and Support Division, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Homestead, PA a service agency responsible for serving the 42 school districts in Allegheny County. Ms. Fogarty has an extensive career in Special Education including a Supervisor role at The Day School from 1986-1992. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and Educational Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Head of School- West Island College, Calgary, AB, Canada
Littleford & Associates conducted an internal executive assessment that resulted in the selection of an external candidate as head of school.
Chief Executive Officer- Timber Ridge School, Winchester, VA
Littleford & Associates conducted an internal executive assessment that resulted in the appointment of the internal candidate, Derek Unger, as the CEO.
Head of School- Elmwood School, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Littleford & Associates conducted an internal executive assessment that resulted in the appointment of the internal candidate, James Whitehouse , as the Head of School.
LITTLEFORD & ASSOCIATE SEARCH CLIENTS
United States
- The New School in Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Marburn Academy, New Albany, Ohio
- The International School of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
- The New School, Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Miller School of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
- The Midland Corporation, North Branch, NJ
- St. George’s School, Spokane Washington
- The Benedictine School For Exceptional Children, Ridgely, Maryland
- Wyndcroft School, Pottstown, PA
- Tuscaloosa Academy, Tuscaloosa, AL
- The Pathway School, Norristown, PA
- Saint Joseph's High School, Trumbull, CT
- The Timber Ridge School, Winchester, VA
- Lowell School, Washington, DC
- The Day School At The Children's Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
International
- Chinese International School, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- The Study, Montreal, Canada
- Bishop’s College School, Sherbrooke, Quebec
- American British Academy (ABA)- An IB World School, Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman
- The American British Academy, Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman
- Chinese International School, Hong Kong
- Escuela Americana El Salvador
- Chinese International School in Hong Kong
- Stratford Hall School, Vancouver, BC
- Chinese International School of Hong Kong
- CTF Education Management (Chow Tai Fook)
- Australian International School of Hong Kong
- Oberoi International School - Mumbai, India
- American International School of Rotterdam
- Beijing City International School
- Sotogrande International School, Cadiz, Spain
- Somersfield Academy, Devonshire, Bermuda
- Inter-Community School of Zurich
- YK Pao School, Shanghai, China
- Stockholm International School, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Elmwood School, Ottawa, Canada
- Glenlyon Norfolk School, Victoria, BC
- Chinese International School, Hong Kong, SAR, China