Member News

Salem Academy Announces New President

Salem Academy Announces New President

6/22/21—The Salem Academy and College Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Summer Johnson McGee, Ph.D., CPH as the 22nd President of the institution. Dr. McGee is the founding and current Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of New Haven and will assume her new role at Salem starting July 1, 2021.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next leader of Salem Academy and College. This is an incredibly exciting time for the institution to celebrate its history while at the same time imagining its future in bold new ways,” said Dr. McGee. “Salem is uniquely positioned to develop the next generation of women leaders one woman at a time.”

“Dr. McGee has a deep appreciation for the history of Salem as the nation’s oldest institution for educating women and embraces the Academy and College’s focus on developing future leaders who will make a bold impact locally, regionally, and globally,” shared McDara Folan, Chair of Salem Board of Trustees.


Marlborough School Announces New Head of School

Marlborough School Announces New Head of School

6/17/21—The Marlborough Board of Trustees and Head of School Search Committee have announced the appointment of Jennifer Ciccarelli as the next Head of Marlborough School. Ciccarelli will join the Marlborough community on July 1, 2022, succeeding Dr. Priscilla Sands upon her retirement.

Ciccarelli, a member of the NCGS Board of Trustees, has a long history as an educator and leader in girls’ schools. She currently serves as Head of School at Columbus School for Girls. Prior to this headship, she held administrative roles at The Winsor School and The Girls’ Middle School, and she started her career in the classroom at Greenwich Academy.

Marlborough sought a leader and educator dedicated to excellence in education with a focus on girls’ learning; a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion; and a belief in the power and importance of collaboration, community dialogue, and intellectual inquiry. The search committee noted they found all these qualities and more in Ciccarelli.


St. Margaret’s School Announces New Head of School

St. Margaret’s School Announces New Head of School

6/15/21—The Board of Governors of St. Margaret’s School has appointed Colley Bell III as the new Head of School effective July 1, 2021. Bell will succeed Cathy Sgroi upon her retirement after dedicating 45 years of her career to girls’ boarding schools.

“We are thrilled to have a leader with the depth of experience and the rich understanding of boarding schools that Colley brings to St. Margaret’s,” said Board of Governors Chair Dr. Elizabeth Crowther.

“I grew up on the campus of an Episcopal all-girls boarding school where my father served as headmaster and rector, so in a unique way I’m coming full circle,” shared Bell. “I’m also honored to be joining St. Margaret’s during its 100-year anniversary and becoming a part of the rich traditions of this school.”


The Webb Schools Announce New Head of Schools

The Webb Schools Announce New Head of Schools

6/11/21—The Board of Trustees of The Webb Schools have announced Dr. Theresa Smith to succeed Taylor Stockdale in July 2023 as the seventh Head of Schools. Since joining Webb’s leadership team ten years ago, Smith has crafted an exceptional record of leadership; guiding a transformative reimagining of the curriculum; championing equity in hiring; and engaging faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. Smith currently serves as a member of the NCGS Board of Trustees.

“One of the best things I’ve done as Head of Schools is hire Theresa Smith, and it has been a true privilege and pleasure to mentor her as she has grown into an exceptional leader,” shared Stockdale. “Her depth of skills, commitment to Webb’s values, and focus on creating an engaging, dynamic and relevant student experience will position Webb for even greater success in the future.”


Woodlands Academy Announces New Head of School

Woodlands Academy Announces New Head of School

6/8/21—The Board of Trustees of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart has appointed Dawn Nichols, Ed.D., as the next Head of School effective July 1, 2021.

“Dr. Nichols is a highly successful educational leader who has worked in public, independent and Catholic schools,” said Board Chair Mary Clare Pollard White. “Additionally, Dr. Nichols has a very special connection to Woodlands. In 2014, she chaired the visiting committee for the school’s ISACS [Independent Schools Association of the Central States] accreditation. Our school and the mission of Sacred Heart left a positive lasting impression on her, and she developed a genuine affection for Woodlands.”

“I am thrilled to join the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart community—one I know to be vibrant, dynamic, and warm,” said Nichols. “The education the school provides to its students is exemplary, and I look forward to diving in and supporting the great work of the faculty and staff, administration, and board of trustees, all on behalf of the students.”

Nichols previously served for 16 years as Head of School at NCGS member Visitation School.


Sophia Academy Announces 2021 Women of Wisdom

Sophia Academy Announces 2021 Women of Wisdom

6/5/21—Sophia Academy named Stacey Abrams, Toots Zynsky, and Latsany Lopez as its 2021 Women of Wisdom. This honor recognizes women who exemplify Sophia’s core values of courage, responsibility, respect, and peace.

“Despite the tremendous challenges of the past year, we have so much to celebrate,” said Head of School Maura Farrell. “Stacey, Toots, and Latsany have inspired our Sophia community, and this is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for fighting for justice for all. Thank you for supporting girls’ education. And thank you for modeling true leadership for our students. We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking ways in which our Women of Wisdom have created positive change using their inherent talents and wisdom—just as we hope our students will one day.”

A virtual recognition event featured interviews with the three honorees:

  • Stacey Abrams, a renowned voting rights activist, politician, lawyer, and a New York Times bestselling author.
  • Toots Zynsky, an internationally acclaimed artist celebrated for her use of color and innovative process of manipulating glass in distinct and unique ways.
  • Latsany Lopez, a biotechnology major at the University of Rhode Island, a graduate of Sophia Academy, and the first Sophia alumna to return as a mentor.

Nasdaq President & CEO and Roland Park Alumna Adena Friedman Speaks to Students

Nasdaq President & CEO and Roland Park Alumna Adena Friedman Speaks to Students

5/10/21—Nasdaq President & CEO and Roland Park Country School (RPCS) alumna Adena Friedman ‘87 spoke with Lower and Upper School students about leadership, finance, and investment. The students asked Friedman questions about her time at RPCS and her career. Friedman is the first woman to lead a global exchange company and was named by Forbes in 2017 as the third most powerful woman in finance.

Friedman’s conversation with RPCS students was a highlight of the school’s newly formed Power Lunch, a pilot initiative of The Gore Leadership Institute, launched in early 2021 to teach RPCS Upper School students about networking and investing. Students completed an application to join the Power Lunch series, which includes a simulated investment game, conversations on wealth management and social responsibility, presentations on financial markets, and analysis of global financial news through the Financial Times.

The Lower School students who joined the conversation are currently participating in The Stock Market Game through Towson University.

“For over 120 years, RPCS has prepared graduates to bring complex problem-solving and leadership skills to whatever paths they choose in life,” shared Caroline Blatti, RPCS Head of School. “I am proud of our students and faculty advisors for piloting Power Lunch, participating in The Stock Market Game, serving on our student-led Philanthropic Literacy Board, and continuing to develop leadership opportunities at every grade level and across a wide range of interests and activities such as ethics, entrepreneurship, social innovation, inclusion, financial literacy, global learning, internships, and capstone fellowships. We are honored to host Adena Friedman as she inspires our students by sharing her leadership journey at RPCS and beyond.”

At the conclusion of the conversation, 5th grader Alexis L. shared, “Today, I learned it can take a while for your dreams to come true, but if you really work hard at it, you can make them happen!”


Girls Preparatory School Student to Be SEC School’s First-Ever Female Football Manager

Girls Preparatory School Student to Be SEC School’s First-Ever Female Football Manager

5/6/21—A Girls Preparatory School senior is making history for women in sports. Gabby J. ’21 signed to become the first-ever female football manager at the University of Mississippi. When Gabby accepted the position, she had no idea she would be the first female in the school’s history to do it.

An athlete in high school, Gabby knew she wanted to continue being connected to sports in college. This led her to a new role as a sports manager. Reflecting on her spot on an SEC football field, Gabby shared, “Makes me feel proud of myself that I’ve accomplished it and I am the first female.” She also hopes by being the first female in this role that she will be an inspiration to other girls.

She has now set her sights on taking her passion to the highest possible level: the National Football League.


Westridge School Announces New Head of School

Westridge School Announces New Head of School

4/28/21—The Westridge School Board of Trustees has appointed Andrea Kassar, current Head of Upper School at The Nightingale-Bamford School, as the next Head of School. She will join Westridge in July 2022, succeeding Elizabeth J. McGregor upon her retirement.

“During our search process there was remarkable alignment across our community on the priorities we sought in our next Head of School: a visionary thought leader with the ability to sustain academic excellence while promoting social-emotional wellbeing and a committed advocate for DEI and anti-racism work,” said Richard Fung, Chair of the Westridge Board.

“I am honored, humbled, and very excited to become Westridge’s next Head of School. I have loved getting to know the Westridge community,” shared Kassar. “I believe deeply in everything that Westridge is: a school that is innovative and forward-looking, a school that empowers girls to question the status quo and to shape and change their learning community in the most important ways, a school that inspires students to be ‘intellectually adventurous thinkers and courageous, compassionate leaders.’ These are the very values that have always been fundamental to me as an educator. Westridge’s mission is also my own.”

Kassar’s commitment to all-girls education runs deep. She is an alumna of The Brearley School and prior to her time at Nightingale-Bamford, she was member of the teaching faculty and administrative team at The Chapin School.


The Girls’ School of Austin Thanks Frontline Workers with Commemorative Poster

The Girls’ School of Austin Thanks Frontline Workers with Commemorative Poster

4/16/21—The Girls’ School of Austin (GSA) gave back by thanking frontline heroes in the community. Each student in the GSA’s lower school created a thank you card honoring the commitment of frontline workers during the pandemic. The project was conceived as a way to say thank you and recognize those men and women who played an essential role in supporting all of us throughout the pandemic. The thank you cards were combined into a poster that was distributed to GSA students and families who then presented it to real-world heroes they encountered. Students took posters to fire stations, hospitals, grocery stores, and more to recognize and show appreciation for these heroes’ contributions to the community during this challenging time.


Saint Mary’s School Announces Interim Head of School

Saint Mary’s School Announces Interim Head of School

4/13/21—Saint Mary’s School has announced current Assistant Head of School Carol Killebrew will serve as Interim Head of School for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, effective July 1, 2021.

“I came to Saint Mary’s because I am a product of an independent, single-gender, college preparatory school,” stated Killebrew. “I firmly believe it is essential to educate every girl so that she is not only college-ready but also career-ready. So, I am thrilled to take on the role of Interim Head of School for Saint Mary’s. As a former Head of School, I know the significance of this responsibility, and I’m confident that together we can continue to grow Saint Mary’s in this world of all-girls schools, where we have really found our place—and where we daily demonstrate our expertise and live our mission.”

Current Head of School Brendan O’Shea shared, “Saint Mary’s is a special place, full of energy and life because of the more than 300 amazing young women who live, learn, and grow here. Naming Carol as Interim Head of School allows our girls to see themselves in her and to see themselves as future leaders.”


Op-Ed Featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Op-Ed Featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

4/1/21—[Excerpt from Richmond Times-Dispatch op-ed by Executive Director Megan Murphy]

When will inequities between the treatment of male and female athletes stop surprising us? When will the organizers of tournaments provide the same facilities and resources to female athletes as those provided to their male counterparts? Apparently 40 years of running the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is not long enough.

In recent days, a social media storm has erupted about the disparities between, among other things, the weight training facilities provided to the women’s and men’s teams participating in March Madness…

At almost every turn in their athletic careers, girls and women must overcome higher obstacles and greater inequities.

…Lack of access to opportunities has the greatest negative impact on girls’ participation in sport. Other barriers for girls include the lack of female role models, inadequate expertise in developing girls as athletes, and inferior facilities and resources. This is not the case, however, at girls’ schools.

Every weight and piece of exercise equipment, every court and playing field, every coach and trainer is dedicated to girls. All aspects of athletics at girls’ schools—from dollars invested to time committed—place girls at the center of the planning and decision making. Exposure and support like this lead to very different outcomes than those of the NCAA women’s basketball teams that had to fight for the proper training equipment. Women’s teams should never be an afterthought to their male counterparts.

Let’s give female athletes the proper support and credit they deserve for their hard work and dedication. Just as we do for our male athletes.

Read the full story as it appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.