Board Chair Introduces Interim Head of School

After a thorough search, the Board voted unanimously to appoint George to lead the school for the 2018/2019 school year.  He is a talented educator, administrator, school board member, and headmaster with an impressive background of dynamic experience with and knowledge of independent schools. George quickly distinguished himself within the pool of candidates as possessing those qualities needed to move Woodlynde School forward and prepare for the arrival of the next permanent Head of School. 

 

Currently residing in Carrollton, Texas, George comes to Woodlynde having successfully served as the Head of School for Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, PA, from 2007-2016 and the Head of School at Wooster School in Danbury, CT, from 2003-2007.  Earlier in his career, George served as Upper School Head at Greenhill School in Dallas, TX, and the Bullis School in Washington, DC. He also led marketing efforts at both Moravian and Queen Anne School and has enjoyed fundraising in his roles as a head of school, which he describes as "just one more important way to connect to the community." A strong advocate for students, he also established learning assistance programs for students with learning differences at both Wooster and Bullis.

 

On the personal side, George has a lifelong passion for music and has been a professional performer his entire adult life. He recently developed a passion for photography and has been formally studying that pursuit. He is also a self-described "car guy" who enjoys traveling to car shows with his wife, Charliese.  

 

Working closely with our search consultants, the search committee interviewed a number of candidates with wide-ranging experience and qualifications. George recently visited our campus and met with faculty, administrators, staff, and trustees. His shared commitment to our mission is supported by his extensive experience and accomplishments.  We are confident that George's leadership will provide a productive and smooth transition next year as we complete our search for our next permanent Head of School, and we enthusiastically look forward to welcoming George and Charliese to the Woodlynde community this upcoming school year. I've included a letter from George to our community in which I know you will sense his enthusiasm for our school. 

 

I would like to thank our search committee for all of their hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout this process.  With experienced leadership for the 2018-19 academic year confirmed, the Head of School Search Committee will now focus on identifying the permanent Head of School to guide the next phase of growth at Woodlynde.  The committee, along with consultants from Carney Sandoe & Associates, is conducting a diligent, well-planned international search for qualified candidates and is already involved in evaluating potential candidates.  The most promising candidates will visit the Woodlynde community in the fall for further interviews as well as meetings with board members, teachers, administrators, students, and parents.  Periodic updates on the search will be provided throughout the summer on our Head of School Search section of the Woodlynde website. 

 

We look forward to what promises to be a terrific year ahead for Woodlynde School under George's leadership!

  

Maryann O'Conor, Board Chair