Head of School Search
Welcome to the Derryfield Head of School Search Page
Position Begins on July 1, 2027
The Derryfield School’s Board of Trustees has begun a search in-partnership with Carney Sandoe & Associates for Derryfield’s next Head of School. This page will serve as the community’s central resource for updates, opportunities to participate, and information about the search process as it unfolds.
This search is focused on a leader who will honor our caring, close-knit community while guiding the school into its next chapter with clarity, vision, and a steady commitment to our core values. We seek someone who will champion a culture of high expectations and individuality, sustaining the balance of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence that defines a Derryfield education while deepening the relationships among students, families, and faculty that make our community distinct.
We are grateful for the strength of the Derryfield community and look forward to engaging parents, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the School throughout this important process.
Interested candidates should contact:
Allison Gaines Pell, allison.gainespell@carneysandoe.com
Lisa Parsons, lisa.parsons@carneysandoe.com
Search Process & Timeline
- Search Committee Formed — The Board of Trustees appoints a Search Committee comprised of current trustees to lead the process. ✅ Complete – Summer 2026
- Discovery — Carney Sandoe & Associates visits campus to meet with parents, faculty, administrators, staff, and students, and to understand Derryfield’s culture and character. Wednesday, September 9
- Community Input — Listening sessions and a community-wide survey gather perspectives on the qualities valued in Derryfield’s next Head of School. Fall 2026
- Position Profile — The Search Committee finalizes a leadership profile. Fall 2026
- Candidate Pool — The consultant team builds a candidate pool. Ongoing
- Screening & Interviews — The Search Committee reviews candidates and conducts interviews; finalists visit campus and meet with the Faculty and Staff Advisory Group. Fall 2027
- Appointment — The Search Committee presents a recommended candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval. Anticipated Winter 2026/2027
Learn More and Get Involved
Faculty & Staff Advisory Group
To ensure meaningful participation from faculty and staff, an Advisory Group comprised of members of both groups has been formed. This group will meet with each finalist during on-campus visits and will share candid and constructive reflections with the Search Committee.
Search Consultants
The Board of Trustees has engaged Carney Sandoe & Associates (CS&A) to guide Derryfield’s national search for its next Head of School. CS&A brings deep knowledge of independent schools acquired from nearly 50 years of experience guiding schools through their searches for first-rate heads of school, senior administrators, and faculty. We look forward to partnering with our consultants, Allison Gaines Pell and Lisa Parsons, and are confident that our collaboration with CS&A will result in an exceptional search outcome for our School and its community.
Ways to Get Involved
- Listening Sessions — Small-group conversation with our consultants during their campus visit on Wednesday, September 9.
- Community Survey — Share your thoughts in a short survey open to all parents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. [Survey link emailed in fall ’26)
- Questions & Ideas — Reach out any time to board@derryfield.org
We will continue to provide timely updates to the Derryfield community throughout the Head of School search.
Community Messages:
6/12/2026 — Partnership with Carney, Sandoe & Associates
5/27/2026 —Head of School Transition Announcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the search?
The Derryfield Board of Trustees holds the responsibility for appointing the next Head of School. A Board-appointed Search Committee, made up of current trustees, is leading the process with the support of Carney Sandoe & Associates.
Will the Derryfield community have an opportunity to give input?
Yes. Parents, faculty, staff, students, and alumni will be invited to share their perspectives through listening sessions and a community-wide survey beginning in September.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please reach out to board@derryfield.org with any questions about the search process.
Committees
Search Committee
Susan Rand King ‘81, P’20, ‘22, Chair, Board of Trustees, Search Committee Co-Chair
Lauren Hines P’20, ‘23, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Search Committee Co-Chair
Neal Winneg ‘78, Chair-Elect, Board of Trustees
Richard Critz P’15, ‘20, Trustee
Dr. Sheila DeWitt P’12, Trustee
Sid Rowell, Trustee
Dr. Saurabh Ullal P’25, ‘28, Trustee
Fac/Staff Advisory Committee
Anna Moskov P’27, Director of Philanthropy & Engagement, Liaison to Search Committee
Joe Acone, Arts & Design Department Chair
Jason Barreto P’28, ‘32, Middle School Science Teacher
Mimi Coombes, Middle School Math Teacher
Tom Eng, Upper School STEAM Teacher
Amy Kellner P’26, Registrar, College Counseling Coordinator
Dr. Taylor Moon, Upper School Science Teacher
Ryan Tanner-Read, Dean of Academics, Upper School History Teacher
Mary Ann Watt, Science Department Chair, Upper School Science Teacher
