Head of School Search

Suffield offers a truly exceptional environment for adolescents, shaped by caring adults, world-class facilities, and a steadfast commitment to our core four values of kindness, respect, leadership, and effort.Charles Cahn III

Head of School Charlie Cahn recently announced he will step aside in June 2027 after twenty-three remarkable years leading Suffield Academy. He is the longest serving head in our school’s storied history. The Head of School Search Committee—comprised of seven Suffield trustees and Charlie Cahn—is working with search consultants from Carney, Sandoe & Associates to identify Suffield’s next leader. Additional updates will be shared with the community on this page in the coming months.

Head of School Search Committee
Fred Powers ’83, P’14 | Co-chair
Dan Tisch ’69, P’02 | Co-chair
Charles Cahn III P’18, ’22
Matt Fine ’95
Valisha Graves ’81
Chris Houlihan P’05
Ali Salehi P’12
Suzy Vogler P’11

Head of School Position Profile

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Suffield’s Past, Present, and Future
Suffield’s next leader will benefit from a talented faculty and staff, outstanding administrative leadership team, and world-class campus that has been bolstered during Charlie's tenure by more than $120 million of construction. New facilities touch all parts of the school including academics, athletics, arts, and community life. The endowment has increased by more than five times and now provides 15% of the school’s operating income. In 2025 Suffield accepted around 20% of its applicants and had a 50% yield, reflecting enrollment demand that will provide the next Head of School with infinite opportunities to help curate a talented, diverse student body. The 30-person Board of Trustees is fully focused on their three-part role of helping shape Suffield's philosophy, supporting the Head of School, and managing and growing Suffield's resources. The community blends academic challenge and structure with a nurturing, supportive atmosphere. 

 

Suffield Academy has partnered with Carney, Sandoe & Associates to lead the search for its next Head of School, working closely with three consultants: Bob Vitalo, Todd Bland, and Lisa Parsons. Learn more about them below.

Bob Vitalo
Bob is the firm’s Vice President. He helps run searches focusing on retained head of school and senior administrative searches, and leads strategic planning with boards and heads. With experience in elementary, single sex, religious, and K-12 schools, Bob works with a wide range of schools on their leadership needs.

Read About Bob’s Experience       Contact Bob

Todd Bland
Todd is a Senior Consultant and Coach in the Search & Consulting Group. Most recently, Todd served as Head of School at Milton Academy. Throughout his career in academic leadership, Todd has been known for his adroit handling of high profile and challenging school matters.

Read About Todd’s Experience      Contact Todd

Lisa Parsons
Since joining CS&A, Lisa has been deeply involved in a number of key administrator and head of school searches. Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge from a robust career in independent school admissions and more recently from her work with the search firm Spencer Stuart in Boston.

Read About Lisa’s Experience      Contact Lisa


Core Values
In large measure, Suffield Academy is thriving as a community because all our constituents—students, faculty, alumni, parents—agree on unyielding fundamentals. Suffield offers a challenging, college-prep educational program with inspirational teachers and world-class facilities. We support our students’ physical and psychological growth in ways that mix firm expectations with empathy and understanding. Everything we do is framed by a commitment to our most essential values—Suffield’s Core Four—kindness, respect, effort, and leadership.
 

Mission
Suffield Academy is a coeducational independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.