About

Head of School Search

WELCOME TO THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH PAGE
 
As we recently shared with the Orchard community, current Head of School Ed Hollinger will retire at the conclusion of the 2026–27 school year. With this announcement, the Board of Directors has begun preparing for the next phase of our Head of School search.

The Search Committee is being re-engaged, and early planning is underway to ensure a thoughtful and inclusive process. In the weeks ahead, we will share more details, including opportunities for community input.

Please reach out to Head of School Search Chair Deb Thornburgh with any questions at searchcommittee@orchard.org.

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • POSITION STATEMENT/APPLY

    COMING SOON

    Please reach out to Head of School Search Chair Deb Thornburgh with any questions at searchcommittee@orchard.org.

  • READ MORE ABOUT THE HOS SEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS

    The Head of School Search Committee is comprised of Board members, parents, alumni, and faculty:

    CHAIR:
    Deb Thornburgh     
    (parent of alumni, current grandparent, Dignity, Diversity, & Belonging Committee Co-Chair, Board of Directors Executive Committee member, former Director of Development and Parents' Association President) 

    COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
    Philip Genetos 
    (parent of alumni, current grandparent, former Chair of the Board of Trustees, former President of the Board of Governors, current Chair of Investment Committee)
     
    Adrianne Glidewell-Smith ’94 
    (alumna, current parent, Board of Directors Executive Committee member, Community Engagement Committee)
     
    Allison Housefield, Faculty Representative 
    (faculty member, 12 years at Orchard, 5th Grade English, 8th Grade Learning Support, Cross Country Coach)
     
    Matt Huntley ’97, Alumni Representative 
    (alumnus, current parent)
     
    Shawn Odle 
    (current parent, Board of Directors member, Co-Chair of the Dignity, Diversity, and Belonging Committee)
     
    Julie Wingate 
    (parent of alumni, former Early Childhood teacher who retired after 32 years at Orchard, Board of Directors member, Dignity, Diversity, and Belonging Committee member)

  • HOS SEARCH CONSULTANT INFO AND VISIT DATES

    Robert Vitalo and Burke Zalosh of Carney Sandoe will be on campus after Spring Break on April 14 and 15. The Head of School Search Committee and the Board of Directors encourage parents, faculty, and alumni to share your hopes and dreams for the future of Orchard with Bob and Burke during their visit. A schedule of meeting times will be sent immediately after the break.

  • SEARCH PROCESS UPDATES: EMAIL ARCHIVES

    ALL COMMUNITY EMAILS:

    EMAIL 1
    Subject Line: Head of School Update and Search Committee Details
    3-19-2026


    Orchard community, if you are not receiving the all community emails, please reach out to Director of Marketing and Communications James Layne at jlayne@orchard.org.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students: The Orchard School values diversity and seeks talented students. Orchard admits students of any race, color, national origin and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs.