Spencer Stuart Recruits Ninth Leader for Brunswick School
June 2, 2026 – Spencer Stuart has assisted in the recruitment of Andrew T. Chappell as Brunswick’s ninth head of school, effective July 1, 2027. Mary Gorman, a partner in the firm’s education and social impact practice, and consultant Michele Haertel, led the assignment. Tom Philip has informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire in June 2027, at the close of the 2026–2027 school year.
“Andy brings nearly three decades of experience in education and independent school leadership, distinguished by exceptional character, tireless dedication, and a profound belief in the enduring importance of a traditional boys’ education,” said R. Willett Cook, chairman, board of trustees. “Throughout the search process, he stood out not only for his intellect and leadership, but for the authenticity of his relationships, the clarity of his values, and his alignment with Brunswick’s mission.”
“I would like to thank the members of our search committee, a dedicated and thoughtful group of current and former trustees and faculty, and our search partners at Spencer Stuart,” Mr. Cook said. “I am especially grateful to my search committee co-chair and trustee, Gil Klemann, for his partnership and support. The search process reflected the strength and standing of Brunswick, attracting an extraordinary pool of candidates. After extensive deliberation, the committee emerged united in its enthusiasm for Andy as our next leader.”
“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the many members of the Brunswick community who shared their perspectives throughout this process,” Mr. Cook continued. “Your engagement is a powerful testament to the strength of this school and the deep pride and care that define it. Along with the Board of Trustees, I am excited for what lies ahead and confident that, together with Andy, Brunswick will continue to build on its legacy of preparing young men for life.”
Mr. Chappell has spent 25 years at The Roxbury Latin School, one of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished boys’ schools, where he served in a wide range of roles as a teacher, coach, advisor, and senior leader, most recently as assistant headmaster for program. In 2022, he became head of school at The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH, where he has earned widespread respect for his thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and ability to foster meaningful partnerships across the school community with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees alike. He has led with humility, steadiness, and purpose while building a strong and connected community.
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Brunswick School, founded in 1902 and located in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a leading independent college-preparatory day school for boys in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. With a mission centered on developing the “whole boy,” the school combines rigorous academics, competitive athletics, vibrant arts programs, and a strong commitment to character development and community engagement.
A Team of Search Professionals
Privately held since 1956, Spencer Stuart focuses on delivering knowledge, insight, and results through the collaborative efforts of a team of search professionals — now spanning 56 offices, 30 countries, and more than 50 practice specialties. The firm helps boards and leaders address their leadership needs in areas such as senior-level executive search, board recruitment, board effectiveness, succession planning, in-depth senior management assessment and many other facets of organizational effectiveness.
Spencer Stuart’s education practice works with research universities, liberal arts colleges, graduate and professional schools, independent schools, research centers and institutes, and early and secondary education organizations. It has conducted more than 300 senior-level executive and board searches over the past five years. Ninety-six percent of the firm’s executive search placements in academia and research in the past five years are still in their roles today, said Spencer Stuart.
Ms. Gorman, who works in Spencer Stuart’s Boston office, is a member of the education, non-profit and government practice. Her work encompasses liberal arts colleges, research universities, independent schools and large, mission-driven non-profit organizations, as well as functional roles such as chief financial officers and chief operating officers.
Ms. Haertel’s search efforts focus on leadership positions in research universities, liberal arts colleges, independent schools and non-profit organizations. She has a wealth of non-profit and corporate experience and has served on multiple non-profit boards and advisory committees.
Related: Spencer Stuart Recruits 16th President for the University of Michigan
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
