Leadership Search
About the Search
Mead School’s current Head of School, Peter Herzberg, announced in May 2025 that he will depart at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Read Peter’s letter to the community here.
The Board of Trustees has begun a search for Mead’s next leader, who will begin on July 1, 2026.
Search Committee
The search is led by Co-Chairs Kyuhey August and Jennifer Lake, who have formed an eight-person committee of Trustees, faculty, and administrators.
With the guidance of Hamilton "Ham" Clark from RG175, the committee will identify and evaluate candidates and recommend a new Head of School for Board approval.
Search Committee Members
Kyuhey August – Board Member, Committee Co-Chair P'25 '32
Adam Ellyson – Curriculum Director, Art
Vonick J-G Gibson – Director of Faculty Support and Professional Development P'30
Darleen Hickok – Board Member, Curriculum Director, Drama P'19
Jennifer Lake – Board Chair, Committee Co-Chair P'24
Jennifer Haims O’Neill – Board Member, Alumna '73 P'03 '05
Robyn Santagata – Board Member, Assistant Head of School for Early Learning P'08 '10
Dan Woyke – Board Treasurer, Alumnus '94
Search Consultant
Hamilton "Ham" Clark brings more than 30 years of leadership in independent and international schools to his work with RG175. He has led schools in the U.S. and abroad—including Sewickley Academy, Episcopal Academy, and Avenues São Paulo—and guided institutions through major transitions, from building new campuses to navigating the pandemic. A founder of programs that expand access and diversity, Ham also serves on several boards and draws on his experience as a Head, trustee, and executive coach to support schools in leadership searches and strategy.
How to Participate
The Mead community has been actively involved in the search through surveys, campus visits, and virtual meetings with families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. This input helped shape the candidate profile and Position Statement.
In the months ahead, RG175 will review applications and vet candidates. Once finalists are identified—likely in late fall—the community will be invited to meet them and share feedback. If you know of strong candidates, please forward their information to Ham Clark at Hamilton.clark@rg175.com.
Search Timeline
June
Hamilton “Ham” Clark from RG175 is engaged as Search Consultant
RG175 distributes survey to the Mead current and alumni communities
July
Ham conducts interviews and meetings with stakeholder groups – current families, faculty, staff, alumni, and board
August- September
Position Statement posted
Candidate communication and recruitment by RG175
October
Candidate application deadline (October 12th)
Initial slate of candidates selected
November
Semifinalist interviews by Search Committee
Finalists selected
December-January
Finalist visits and interviews by Search Committee and constituent groups
Search Committee deliberates and recommends candidate for Board of Trustees approval
New Leader announced to community
July 1, 2026
New Leader begins tenure